History of Mikal Bridges in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 12, 2026

Mikal Bridges is a professional basketball player in the NBA, known for his elite two-way play and incredible durability. After helping Villanova University win two NCAA championships, he was selected 10th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Bridges gained national prominence with the Phoenix Suns, where he established himself as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders and a reliable scoring threat. His reputation for consistency is highlighted by his legendary 'Iron Man' streak, having played hundreds of consecutive games without missing time. Following a high-profile trade to the Brooklyn Nets in 2023, where he evolved into a primary scoring option and franchise cornerstone, he was later traded to the New York Knicks in 2024. Bridges is widely respected for his high basketball IQ, unselfish playstyle, and availability, making him one of the most valuable wings in the modern game.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1985: Historical Villanova Championship Context

The year 1985 marks the last time the Villanova Wildcats basketball program won an NCAA championship prior to their 2016 title run.

August 30, 1996: Birth of Mikal Bridges

On August 30, 1996, Mikal Bridges was born, eventually becoming a professional basketball player in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

2009: Historical Phoenix Suns Season Start

In 2009, the Phoenix Suns achieved a 10-game start record that stood as the franchise's best until Mikal Bridges helped the team reach a similar 7–3 standing in January 2021.

June 2013: Commitment to Villanova University

In June 2013, Mikal Bridges committed to play collegiate basketball for Villanova University following a successful high school career at Great Valley High School.

2014: Josh Smith's 83-Game Season

During the 2014-15 NBA season, Josh Smith became the last player prior to Mikal Bridges in 2023 to play 83 or more games in a single regular season.

2016: Breakout Sophomore Season at Villanova

During the 2016-17 season, Mikal Bridges transitioned from a sixth-man role to a full-time starter for Villanova. Throughout 2016, he established himself as a versatile 'five-tool' player known for elite defensive skills and efficient scoring. His performance during this period included a significant contribution in the NCAA Tournament against Mount St. Mary's and culminated in him being recognized as a co-recipient of the Big East Defensive Player of the Year award.

2016: First NCAA National Championship

In 2016, Mikal Bridges helped the Villanova Wildcats secure a national championship title while playing college basketball.

2016: Villanova NCAA Championship Victory

In 2016, Mikal Bridges played a key role off the bench for the Villanova Wildcats, notably scoring 11 points during a Final Four victory against the Oklahoma Sooners, ultimately helping his team secure their first NCAA championship since 1985.

2017: Preseason All-Big East selection

During the 2017 preseason, Mikal Bridges was officially named to the 2017–18 preseason All-Big East second team, recognizing his anticipated performance for the upcoming college basketball season.

March 2, 2018: Overtime victory against Seton Hall

On March 2, 2018, Mikal Bridges led his team to victory by scoring 23 points during a competitive overtime game against Seton Hall.

April 10, 2018: Declaration for the 2018 NBA Draft

On April 10, 2018, Mikal Bridges announced his decision to waive his remaining collegiate eligibility to enter the 2018 NBA draft, where he was ultimately selected 10th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded to the Phoenix Suns.

July 6, 2018: Signing of rookie-scale contract with Phoenix Suns

On July 6, 2018, Mikal Bridges officially signed a 4-year, $17.6 million rookie-scale contract with the Phoenix Suns following his acquisition during the 2018 NBA draft.

October 17, 2018: Professional NBA Debut

On October 17, 2018, Mikal Bridges made his professional NBA debut while playing for the Phoenix Suns in a 121–100 victory against the Dallas Mavericks.

2018: NBA Draft Selection

In 2018, Mikal Bridges was selected with the tenth overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers during the NBA draft, though he was subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns on the same night.

2018: Second NCAA National Championship

Mikal Bridges achieved his second national championship victory with the Villanova Wildcats during the 2018 college basketball season.

February 2, 2019: Season-High Scoring Performance

During a game on February 2, 2019, Mikal Bridges achieved a new season-high, scoring 20 points in a 118–112 defeat against the Atlanta Hawks.

November 19, 2019: Career-High Points Performance

On November 19, 2019, Mikal Bridges matched his career-high by scoring 20 points during a game against the Sacramento Kings, which resulted in a 120–116 loss for his team.

2020: NBA Bubble Starter

During the 2020 NBA Bubble, Mikal Bridges served as the starting small forward for the Phoenix Suns in all eight of their games held in the Orlando location.

January 9, 2021: Career-High Performance Against the Pacers

On January 9, 2021, Mikal Bridges achieved a personal milestone by scoring a career-high 34 points in a 125–117 victory over the Indiana Pacers, contributing to the Phoenix Suns' best 10-game start since 2009.

October 17, 2021: Rookie Contract Extension with Phoenix Suns

On October 17, 2021, Mikal Bridges secured a long-term future with the Phoenix Suns by agreeing to a four-year rookie contract extension valued at $90 million.

2021: NBA Finals Appearance

During the 2021 season, Mikal Bridges served as a key contributor for the Phoenix Suns as the team successfully reached the NBA Finals.

2021: Draft compensation involvement

In 2021, a first-round draft pick originally associated with the trade involving Mikal Bridges and the Phoenix Suns was utilized as part of the trade package exchanged between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Suns.

2021: Asset Involved in 2021 Draft Trade

In 2021, an unprotected first-round pick that was originally traded as part of the deal bringing Mikal Bridges to the Phoenix Suns on April 10, 2018, became an active component of team roster management.

April 26, 2022: Playoff Career-High Performance

During a Game 5 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 26, 2022, Mikal Bridges reached a significant career achievement by scoring a playoff-high 31 points, complemented by five rebounds and four blocks.

November 9, 2022: Season-High Performance Against the Timberwolves

On November 9, 2022, Mikal Bridges delivered a standout performance, recording a season-high 31 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and four steals to lead his team to a 129–117 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

February 9, 2023: Trade to the Brooklyn Nets

On February 9, 2023, Mikal Bridges was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a significant multi-player deal involving Kevin Durant, T. J. Warren, and several draft picks.

February 2023: Trade to Brooklyn Nets

In February 2023, Mikal Bridges was officially traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Brooklyn Nets.

April 9, 2023: 83-Game Season Milestone

On April 9, 2023, Mikal Bridges played his 83rd game of the regular season, making him the 42nd player in NBA history to achieve this feat and the first to do so since Josh Smith during the 2014-15 season.

December 2, 2023: Career-High Scoring Performance Against Orlando Magic

On December 2, 2023, Mikal Bridges delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 42 points—including a explosive 26 points in the first quarter alone—to lead his team to a decisive 129–102 victory over the Orlando Magic.

July 6, 2024: Trade to the New York Knicks

On July 6, 2024, Mikal Bridges was officially traded to the New York Knicks alongside Keita Bates-Diop. The transaction involved a package including Bojan Bogdanović, Shake Milton, Mamadi Diakite, and significant draft assets. This move reunited Bridges with his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, forming a group popularly referred to as the "Nova Knicks."

July 2024: Trade to New York Knicks

In July 2024, Mikal Bridges concluded his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets following a trade that sent him to the New York Knicks.

October 22, 2024: Mikal Bridges makes New York Knicks debut

On October 22, 2024, Mikal Bridges officially played his first game for the New York Knicks, recording 16 points through 7-of-13 shooting from the field and 2-of-7 from three-point range during a 132–109 defeat against the Boston Celtics.

August 1, 2025: Contract Extension Signing

On August 1, 2025, Mikal Bridges secured his future with the team by signing a lucrative four-year contract extension worth $150 million, keeping him under contract through the end of the 2029–30 season.

2025: Conclusion of the 2025-26 Season Streak

By the end of the 2025-26 season, Mikal Bridges maintained the longest active streak of consecutive NBA regular season games played, totaling 638 games and holding the longest 'iron man' streak among active players.

June 2026: Consecutive Games Record

As of June 2026, Mikal Bridges holds the active record for the most consecutive games played in the NBA, representing the eighth-longest streak in league history.

2026: NBA Championship Victory

In 2026, Mikal Bridges achieved a major career milestone by winning his first NBA Finals championship while playing for the New York Knicks.

2028: Future First-Round Pick Swap

As part of the February 9, 2023 trade agreement, a first-round pick swap involving the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns was scheduled to take place in 2028.

2029: Contract Extension Conclusion

During the year 2029, Mikal Bridges will continue playing under the terms of the $150 million extension he signed, which covers his tenure with the organization through the 2029–30 season.