The Knicks’ enemies are already trying to bring them down now that they’ve brought in yet another Villanova national champion.
Heat center Bam Adebayo posted on X shortly after the Mikal Bridges trade was reported Tuesday night, saying, “Y’all was tampering” while tagging Bridges’ former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.
“Let us celebrate in peace!” Hart replied.
Bridges reportedly pushed to be traded to the win-now Knicks prior to the blockbuster deal that sent five first-round picks and Bojan Bogdanović to the Nets for Bridges.
While other contenders attempt to rain on the Knicks’ parade, there certainly seems to be reason for why Adebayo believes the Knicks acted in improper fashion.
In September 2023, Hart and Brunson had poked fun at Bridges being in Brooklyn, notably when Hart mentioned in an Instagram comment section that they were ready to save him.
In July 2023, Hart also posted on X imploring Bridges to message him.
“Yo @mikal_bridges hit my phone. Want to run something by you real quick,” he posted.on X.
Coming full circle, Hart celebrated the bold move on X, saying, “YOOOOO @mikal_bridges FINALLY HIT MY LINE!!!!!”
On the “Roommates Show” featuring Hart, Bridges and guard and fellow Villanova product Donte DiVincenzo, Bridges was constantly mentioned and was even brought on camera as a guest.
Bridges first made an appearance in the second episode, as they began cracking fun at the Nets for playing second fiddle in New York.
“New York no matter what, no matter how good the Nets get, it’s always gonna be; that’s Knicks city,” Brunson said to Bridges, who agreed with him.
Shortly after the trade, the Knicks’ new Villanova core four came together for a massive FaceTime, seemingly in shock and euphoria from the transaction.
Perhaps the Knicks will be investigated for tampering, like they were in 2022 after they signed Brunson, but teams are rarely assessed huge penalties.
The Knicks lost a 2025 second-round pick for tampering with Brunson, a rather minor penalty for landing a player of Brunson’s status, while Lakers vice president Rob Pelinka earned a $500,000 fine for his role in illegal recruitment of Paul George.
Executives found to be tampering can be fined up to $5 million and the team can lose draft capital, according to the NBA’s latest CBA.
Players can be fined as much as $10 million and suspended, as decided by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
While Adebayo may be unhappy the Knicks added a friend of their stars, plenty others are pleased.
Ex-Villanova coach and two-time national championship winner Jay Wright celebrated the deal.
“Boys are blessed to be together. No one ever gets this opportunity in the NBA,” Wright said on X. “A lot of work to do!! Let’s go!!”
