Knicks stars react to tampering claims after Mikal Bridges trade

June 26, 2024 Sportextra NBA, Sports 0

Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart were understandably elated on social media Tuesday night after news broke of the Knicks acquiring Mikal Bridges.

The blockbuster trade reunited Brunson, Hart and Donte DiVincenzo with their former Villanova teammate with whom they won a NCAA title in 2016.

Heat star Bam Adebayo accused Brunson and Hart of tampering due to how the trade went down. Hart and Brunson downplayed the accusations, asking their fellow East rival to let them enjoy their moment.

While Adebayo was likely being facetious, the optics of Hart and Brunson going overboard on social media did seem suspicious, especially after their previous comments about wanting to play with Bridges as Knicks.

Earlier this month, Hart jokingly asked Bridges to “just blink” if he felt the Nets were holding him hostage. Similarly, Brunson poked fun at Bridges for “being stuck” in Brooklyn.

Meanwhile, Bridges responded to the claims by clarifying that he does not have the “pull” to orchestrate a move to the Knicks as many have suggested.

Regardless of how the transaction went down, Brunson and Co. have every reason to be overjoyed. Soon after the trade materialized, Hart shared a screenshot of him and his three former Villanova teammates in a group video call.

It should be noted that the NBA’s tampering rules preclude front-office executives, coaches and other personnel from trying to recruit contracted players.

However, there’s no such rule for the players, who are free to express their desires to play with specific peers from other teams.

The trend has been seen amid active players on their podcasts, notably from the likes of Paul George and Draymond Green. Earlier this year, Green said he hopes to play with LeBron James before their careers wind down.

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