Stephen A. Smith has epic reaction to Knicks acquiring Mikal Bridges from Nets

Count Stephen A. Smith as a fan of the New York Knicks landing Mikal Bridges in a blockbuster trade.

The Knicks swung a deal with the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, reportedly sending forward Bojan Bogdanovic, five first-round picks, a pick swap, and a second-rounder for the 3-and-D swingman.

Smith reacted with excitement on X/Twitter, yelling, “YEEESSSSSSS!”

Smith then perfectly broke down why Bridges is a perfect fit with the Knicks.

“I know y’all sitting out there and y’all saying, ‘It’s Mikal Bridges, he’s a good player, but it ain’t like y’all got [Kevin Durant] or somebody,'” Smith said. “Bump all that! Chemistry matters, reliability matters, consistency matters, defense matters. The brother can shoot. The brother can play. I’m sorry, I like this move by the New York Knicks. He’s young, he’s energetic, he’s seasoned, he defends, and he fits right into the culture of the New York Knicks, and that’s all I ask.”

Indeed, Bridges is a versatile defender who can spread the floor, create his own shot, and move the ball. He’s over-burdened as a first or second option on offense, but as a third or fourth option — which he should be on the Knicks — he is a seamless fit.

And, as Smith noted, Bridges was college teammates with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo at Villanova. The addition of Bridges only makes the “Nova Knicks” stronger.

Smith said he believes the Knicks need another piece before they can be considered championship contenders.

“But we have moved in the right direction!”