Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mikal Bridges

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Mikal Bridges made an impact.

Mikal Bridges is a professional basketball player currently playing for the New York Knicks in the NBA. He had a successful college career at Villanova, winning two national championships. Drafted tenth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018, he was immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he played a key role in their 2021 NBA Finals appearance. In February 2023, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets before landing with the Knicks in July 2024. Known as "the Warden," Bridges is notable for his exceptional durability, holding the active NBA record for consecutive games played since entering the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

June 2013: Committed to Villanova

In June 2013, Mikal Bridges committed to Villanova to play college basketball, ranked as the 82nd best player nationally by ESPNU.

2016: NCAA Tournament and Championship

In 2016, Mikal Bridges played a key role off the bench in the NCAA tournament, including scoring 11 points in the Final Four. He won the NCAA championship with Villanova, the school's first title since 1985.

2016: National Championship

In 2016, Mikal Bridges won a national championship with the Villanova Wildcats.

2016: Starting Role Due to Injury

In the 2016-17 season, Mikal Bridges was slated as sixth man but started every game after Phil Booth had a knee injury in November.

March 2, 2018: Overtime Win Against Seton Hall

On March 2, 2018, Mikal Bridges scored 23 points in an overtime win against Seton Hall.

April 10, 2018: Declared for the NBA Draft

On April 10, 2018, Mikal Bridges announced his intention to enter the 2018 NBA draft.

July 6, 2018: Signed Rookie Contract with Suns

On July 6, 2018, Mikal Bridges signed a 4-year, $17.6 million rookie contract with the Phoenix Suns.

October 17, 2018: NBA Debut

On October 17, 2018, Mikal Bridges made his professional debut in the Suns' regular season opener, a 121–100 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

2018: National Championship

In 2018, Mikal Bridges won another national championship with the Villanova Wildcats.

February 2, 2019: Season-High 20 Points

On February 2, 2019, Mikal Bridges recorded a season-high 20 points in a 118–112 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

November 19, 2019: Matched Career High

On November 19, 2019, Mikal Bridges matched his career-high of 20 points in a 120–116 loss to the Sacramento Kings.

2020: Started All Bubble Games

In 2020, Mikal Bridges started in all eight games at small forward for the Suns in the NBA Bubble.

January 9, 2021: Career High 34 Points

On January 9, 2021, Mikal Bridges set a new career-high of 34 points in a 125–117 win over the Indiana Pacers.

October 17, 2021: Contract Extension

On October 17, 2021, Mikal Bridges and the Suns agreed to a 4-year, $90 million rookie contract extension.

2021: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2021, Mikal Bridges was part of the Phoenix Suns team that reached the NBA Finals.

2021: Trade Day Compensation

In the 2018 NBA draft, Mikal Bridges was drafted 10th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers and then traded to the Phoenix Suns. As part of the deal, the 76ers got an unprotected first-round pick in 2021.

2021: Draft Day Trade

In the 2018 NBA draft, Mikal Bridges was drafted 10th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers and then traded to the Phoenix Suns. As part of the deal, the Suns gave the 76ers an unprotected first-round pick in 2021.

April 26, 2022: Playoff Career High

On April 26, 2022, Mikal Bridges scored a playoff career-high 31 points in a 112–97 Game 5 win against the New Orleans Pelicans.

November 9, 2022: Season High 31 Points

On November 9, 2022, Mikal Bridges scored a season-high 31 points in a 129–117 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

February 9, 2023: Traded to Nets

On February 9, 2023, Mikal Bridges was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, along with Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, four unprotected first-round picks, and a 2028 first-round pick swap in exchange for Kevin Durant and T. J. Warren.

February 2023: Trade to Brooklyn Nets

In February 2023, Mikal Bridges was traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

December 2, 2023: 42 Points vs. Orlando Magic

On December 2, 2023, Mikal Bridges scored 42 points against the Orlando Magic, including 26 in the first quarter, in a 129–102 win.

2023: FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2023, Mikal Bridges was a member of the United States national team that competed in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, finishing fourth in the tournament.