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. Drafted tenth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2018 and immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns, he played college basketball at Villanova, securing national championships in 2016 and 2018. During his time with the Suns, he helped the team reach the 2021 NBA Finals. Known as "the Warden", Bridges was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023 before joining the Knicks in July 2024. Notably, Bridges holds the active record for consecutive games played, maintaining a perfect attendance record since entering the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1985: First championship win since 1985

In 2016, Bridges won the NCAA championship for Villanova, marking the school's first championship since 1985.

2009: Best start to season since 2009

On January 9, 2021, Mikal Bridges helped the Suns start their season with a 7–3 record, their best 10-game start to a season since 2009.

2014: Most games played since Josh Smith in 2014-2015 season.

On April 9, 2023, Mikal Bridges played his 83rd game of the season, becoming the 42nd player in NBA history to play 83 or more games during the regular season, and the first since Josh Smith in the 2014–15 season.

2016: Started Every Game After Booth's Injury

Coming into the 2016-17 season, Mikal Bridges started every game after Phil Booth sustained a knee injury in November.

2016: Won National Championship

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

2016: Key role in NCAA tournament and Championship win

In 2016, Mikal Bridges played a key role coming off the bench in the NCAA tournament, scoring 11 points in a Final Four game and winning the NCAA championship with Villanova.

March 2, 2018: Scored 23 points in Overtime Win

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

April 10, 2018: Declared for NBA Draft

On April 10, 2018, Mikal Bridges announced his intention to declare for the 2018 NBA draft, forgoing his final season of college eligibility.

July 6, 2018: Signed Rookie Contract with Suns

On July 6, 2018, Mikal Bridges signed a 4-year, $17.6 million rookie-scale 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: Won another National Championship

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

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 of 20 Points

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

2020: Started in all eight NBA Bubble games

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

January 9, 2021: New Career High of 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: Signed Contract Extension

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

2021: Reached NBA Finals

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

2021: Traded for an unprotected 2021 first-round pick

Mikal Bridges was traded to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the 16th pick, Zhaire Smith, and an unprotected 2021 first-round pick.

April 26, 2022: Playoff Career-High 31 Points

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 along with nine rebounds, five assists and four steals in a 129–117 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

February 9, 2023: Traded to the Brooklyn Nets

On February 9, 2023, Mikal Bridges was traded to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a deal involving Kevin Durant.

February 2023: Traded to the Brooklyn Nets

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

December 2, 2023: Scored 42 Points Against the Orlando Magic

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

2023: Competed in 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

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

July 6, 2024: Traded to the New York Knicks

On July 6, 2024, Mikal Bridges was traded to the New York Knicks along with Keita Bates-Diop.

July 2024: Traded to the New York Knicks

In July 2024, Mikal Bridges was traded to the New York Knicks.

October 22, 2024: Knicks Debut

On October 22, 2024, Mikal Bridges made his debut for the New York Knicks, scoring 16 points in a loss against the Boston Celtics.

2028: Traded with a 2028 first-round pick swap

On February 9, 2023, the Suns traded Mikal Bridges to the Brooklyn Nets along with a 2028 first-round pick swap in exchange for Kevin Durant and T. J. Warren.