Offseason trade proposal sends Deni Avdija to Knicks, Mikal Bridges to Blazers

March 31, 2025

As the Knicks prepare for the NBA playoffs, they are likely to face a stark reality: their defense-first roster, while formidable, might lack the offensive firepower necessary to compete with the likes of the Celtics or Cavaliers in a high-stakes postseason matchup.

New York has built a team anchored by strong defensive wings in OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, the latter two having played together at Villanova.

However, if the Knicks are eliminated early in the playoffs, roster questions will inevitably arise. One key issue: the team may need to adjust its roster to better compete with the top-tier offensive juggernauts in the Eastern Conference come 2026.

The most likely course of action would be to trade one of the three wings, swapping defense for a player who can provide more offensive punch. Given that New York is likely to prioritize retaining Anunoby long-term, it seems probable that the departure of either Bridges or Hart could be on the table.

But with Hart under contract through the 2027-28 season and offering strong rebounding and defensive contributions on a relatively affordable deal, Bridges appears to be the more expendable piece.

With that in mind, the Knicks could send out Bridges in an NBA trade proposal created by Colin Keane of Sporting News.

Bridges, who is set to earn $24.9 million next season, remains a highly durable player and brings value on both ends of the floor, though his offensive production in New York has yet to fully match expectations. Given his skill set and contract status, finding a suitor for him wouldn’t be difficult, and the Knicks might look to trade him for a player who can offer more scoring ability.

One possible destination could be the Trail Blazers, who are in the midst of a rebuild. A straight-up swap of Bridges for Deni Avdija could work financially and benefit both teams, Keane wrote.

Portland, which would gain one season of Bridges before his contract expires, might find that more appealing than holding onto Avdija for the next few years, particularly as the team looks to preserve cap flexibility.

Avdija, currently under contract for a declining salary over the next three years, has been playing at a high level lately, showcasing his offensive versatility as a ball handler, shooter, and passer. His recent play has undoubtedly made the Wizards regret trading him, and Portland may be hesitant to part with a player who is blossoming into a key contributor.

For the Knicks, the appeal of Avdija lies in his ability to provide a scoring boost while fitting into the team’s long-term plans. As New York seeks to elevate its offensive ceiling, acquiring a player like Avdija, who has the potential to be an offensive centerpiece, would be a strategic move.

The Knicks’ limited draft capital could complicate a potential trade, but if they are able to acquire additional assets through other offseason moves, a deal for Avdija could become more plausible.

In any case, expect to hear Avdija’s name linked to several teams in the months ahead — and perhaps the Knicks will be among them.