The Celtics won their 18th title after 16 years. Like the Lakers and Bulls, there’s a chance for the Celtics to win back-to-back titles too considering all the prominent players are in contract for 2024-25. Knowing the challenge, the rest of the teams are already in action. The first move of which was made by the New York Knicks and Magic Johnson wholeheartedly approves. 

The Brooklyn Nets made a trade sending Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks to acquire Bojan Bogdanovic. Lakers legend took to his X handle to explain how the trade will help the Knicks stop the Cs from winning the next title. 

“Mikal Bridges traded to the Knicks. Wow, hats off to Leon Rose and William Wesley aka World Wide Wes! This trade changes the landscape in the Eastern Conference,” Magic Johnson wrote on X. The Los Angeles Lakers legend added, “Now, the Knicks will challenge the Celtics for first place in the East while putting pressure on the Sixers and Bucks to improve!” 

For the first time, four college teammates will reunite. In case you missed it, this trade reunites former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, and Bridges. The four played together for two seasons and managed to win an NCAA championship in 2016. 

Apart from that dynamic, Bridges’ addition could mean a worthy move for the Knicks who played one of their best seasons in 50 years past season. His addition to the lineup in the presence of OG Anunoby (upon re-signing) and Isaiah Hartenstein can help the team with the backcourt, eventually budding hopes for a championship.

The move has numerous excited – fans and analysts alike, with Stephen A. Smith being loud and clear at the forefront.

Stephen A. Smith is ecstatic over Mikal Bridges’ trade

The ESPN analyst is a massive New York Knicks fan. He has often found ways to bring his team into conversations. He even had a desparate message for the Knicks during game 7 against the Pacers. “Get it done! I don’t give a damn what you gotta do! Figure it out!” he had urged. Unfortunately, we all know how that ended. Thus, it was only natural of Smith to be smiling ear to ear over the announcement.

Taking to his social media, Smith shared a clip of him euphorically expressing his satisfaction with the Knicks acquiring Bridges. Smith appeared impressed by Bridges’ skills and hopes that he will be an exciting addition to the team. Smith further added that while the team might need another player to become the most dominant contender, this is the right beginning.

“We crawled last year and now we gonna walk and we’re close to sprinting. I still feel we need another piece but we have moved in the right direction! I like this! I like this! Go New York, go, New York, go!” Smith can be seen saying in the clip.

Even the Villanova squad is excited to watch the boys back in action together. Well, there’s a good reason for it. While Hart left for the NBA, Brunson, Bridges, and DiVincenzo together led the team to another NCAA victory in 2018. The official X page of Villanova wrote, “Our guys back together #OnceAWildcatAlwaysAWildcat.” 

While Jayson Tatum successfully ended the curse with a historic win, it also seems to have triggered another challenge. The Boston Celtics squad will most likely have an interesting problem ahead, especially considering the tough addition the New York Knicks have made.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.