Mikal Bridges: The Versatile Star Shining Bright in the NBA

Mikal Bridges is a 27-year-old American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA.

Bridges was born on August 30, 1996 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is 6'6" (198 cm) tall and weighs 209 lbs (94 kg).

Bridges was drafted 10th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2018 NBA Draft, but was immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night. He played for the Suns for 4 seasons, reaching the 2021 NBA Finals, before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022.

In his NBA career, Bridges has averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He has been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team and won the NBA Player of the Week award. Bridges holds the active record for the most consecutive games played, having not missed a game since being drafted.

Bridges played college basketball at Villanova, winning national championships in 2016 and 2018. He was named to the preseason All-Big East second team in 2017-18 and had a standout junior season, averaging 17.7 points per game.

Off the court, Bridges is a fan of the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Phillies. He has also stated that he has eaten at Chipotle every day for the last 10 years.

Mikal Bridges Contract

• Here are the key details about Mikal Bridges' contract:
• Bridges signed a 4-year, $90.9 million contract extension with the Phoenix Suns in October 2021.
• The contract has an average annual salary of $22.725 million.
• The extension kicked in for the 2022-23 season and runs through 2025-26.
• Bridges was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023 as part of the Kevin Durant trade.
• The Nets paid Bridges' salary for the remainder of 2022-23 and the 2023-24 season.
• In June 2024, Bridges was traded to the New York Knicks.
• The Knicks inherited the final two years of Bridges' contract, which pay him $21.7 million in 2024-25 and $23.3 million in 2025-26.
• Bridges will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026.

The Knicks were willing to trade significant draft capital (4 unprotected 1st round picks, 1 protected 1st, 1 2nd round pick, and a pick swap) to acquire Bridges because of his reasonable contract, strong two-way play, and fit alongside their other Villanova alumni. However, the Knicks will need to manage their salary cap carefully to retain Bridges and other key free agents like OG Anunoby beyond 2026.

Reaction from the Suns' Fanbase

The main criticism from fans is regarding the high value of Bridges' contract, which was negotiated by the Wizards when he was traded to the Suns in 2018. Fans blame Washington for this perceived overpay.

However, some fans recognize that Bridges is a very talented and reliable player who deserves to be well-compensated. They understand why the Suns wanted to retain him despite the high cost.

Overall, the reaction is mixed. Fans appreciate Bridges' qualities but regret the high value of his contract, which they feel is disproportionate to his production.

Some comments on Reddit suggest that a few fans feel Bridges "sold his soul" by accepting this contract, even though they acknowledge his talent.

In summary, the Suns' fanbase seems divided between acknowledging Bridges' talent and criticizing the high value of his contract, which was negotiated by the Wizards when he first arrived in Arizona. Fans remain attached to this player, appreciated for his professionalism and reliability, but are concerned about the financial implications of his deal.

Mikal Bridges' Girlfriend: Grainger Rosati, the College Lacrosse Star

Here are the key details about Mikal Bridges' girlfriend, Grainger Rosati:

• Grainger Rosati is a 25-year-old woman from New Jersey who attended Villanova University, the same school as Bridges.
• She played on the Villanova women's lacrosse team for 4 years, earning accolades like being named to the All-Big East Second Team.
• Rosati graduated from Villanova in 2020 with a degree in Business Administration. She now works as an Elite Senior District Manager of CPA Relationships at the HR company ADP.
• Rosati and Bridges have been dating since their time together at Villanova, where they were both star athletes. She attended the 2018 NBA Draft when Bridges was selected 10th overall.
• The couple has maintained their relationship through Bridges' NBA career, with Rosati often seen courtside at his games. They are now based in Brooklyn after Bridges was traded to the Nets in 2023.
• Off the court, Rosati is also an Instagram model and personality, building a following of her own.

The relationship between Mikal Bridges and Grainger Rosati seems to have blossomed during their time as student-athletes at Villanova. They have continued to support each other as Bridges has risen to stardom in the NBA, with Rosati often in attendance at his games. Their college connection and shared passion for sports appears to have formed a strong foundation for their relationship.