The New York Knicks are off to a disappointing 2-4 start to the 2026-27 NBA season, and Mikal Bridges' offensive struggles are raising an important question: Should New York consider trading its starting wing? Through six games, Bridges is averaging just 6.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 27.3 minutes per game, shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 29.2 percent from three-point range. Even more concerning, Bridges has yet to attempt a free throw this season. HoopsHype's Cyro Asseo breaks down whether the Knicks should consider trading Bridges, what type of player they should target, how his struggles affect Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, and what New York needs to fix under head coach Mike Brown. **Why the Knicks' offense is struggling** New York ranks 27th in the NBA in scoring at 107.0 points per game, 22nd in offensive rating at 109.3 and 28th in field-goal percentage at 41.9 percent. The Knicks are also shooting just 35.2 percent from three and rank 27th in effective field-goal percentage. Brunson is averaging 25.5 points and 5.2 assists, while Towns is producing 21.8 points and 13.5 rebounds on outstanding efficiency. However, New York has struggled to generate consistent offense beyond its two primary scorers. OG Anunoby is averaging 16.2 points but shooting just 27.8 percent from three. Josh Hart is contributing 8.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists, but his perimeter shooting has also been inconsistent. Bridges' lack of scoring production has only made those problems more apparent. **What is happening with Mikal Bridges?** Bridges entered the season expected to provide dependable two-way production alongside Brunson, Towns, Anunoby and Hart. Instead, he has struggled to establish an offensive rhythm. His 41.1 percent effective field-goal percentage reflects poor shooting efficiency, while his zero free-throw attempts suggest he has not generated much pressure on opposing defenses at the rim. His advanced statistics have also been disappointing, including a 5.7 player efficiency rating and a minus-5.4 box plus-minus. However, six games represent an extremely small sample. Bridges' early-season struggles do not necessarily indicate permanent regression, and his defensive versatility, size and ability to play substantial minutes remain important considerations. The question is whether New York can afford to wait for his offensive production to improve. **What should the Knicks target in a Mikal Bridges trade?** If New York decides to explore a Bridges-only trade, the priority should be acquiring a starting-caliber scoring wing or combo forward. Ideally, the Knicks would target a player between 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-9 who can create shots, attack the basket, draw fouls and consistently make catch-and-shoot three-pointers. That player would need to complement Brunson and Towns rather than compete with them for primary offensive responsibilities. New York does not necessarily need another traditional point guard or center. Brunson already leads the backcourt, with Miles McBride, Tyler Kolek and Jose Alvarado providing additional guard depth. Towns anchors the frontcourt, while Andre Drummond and James Wiseman provide options at center. The Knicks' biggest offensive need is another reliable wing who can punish defenses for concentrating on Brunson and Towns. **Why defense matters in a potential trade** Despite their offensive struggles, the Knicks have remained competitive defensively. New York ranks 10th in defensive rating and seventh in opponent points allowed at 107.7 per game. The Knicks are also fifth in rebounding at 47.7 per game and lead the league in defensive rebounding percentage. Towns is averaging 13.5 rebounds, while Hart contributes another 7.5 per game. Trading Bridges for a smaller, offense-first guard could compromise New York's defensive size and versatility. That is why a two-way scoring wing would make more sense than simply adding another high-volume shooter. **Could the Knicks fix their problems internally?** New York has several potential solutions already on its roster. Landry Shamet is shooting 41.4 percent from three while averaging 24.0 minutes per game. McBride is connecting on 40.7 percent of his three-point attempts, while Jordan Clarkson has provided efficient scoring in limited minutes. Mike Brown could experiment with additional shooting around Brunson and Towns, adjust Bridges' offensive responsibilities or give more minutes to productive bench players. The Knicks could also benefit from allowing their starting lineup more time to develop chemistry. After only six games, making a major trade would carry significant risk. **Should New York actually trade Bridges?** The answer depends on what the Knicks could realistically receive in return. Trading Bridges simply because of a poor six-game stretch would be premature. However, if another team offered a starting-caliber two-way wing who could improve New York's shot creation, rim pressure and offensive efficiency without compromising its defense, the Knicks would have a legitimate reason to explore a deal. The goal should not be to replace Bridges with just any scorer. It should be to improve the roster's balance around Brunson, Towns, Anunoby and Hart. New York has enough defensive talent and rebounding to remain competitive, but its half-court offense needs to become significantly more efficient. Whether that improvement comes from Bridges rediscovering his form, Mike Brown adjusting the rotation or the front office making a trade could help determine the Knicks' ceiling this season. Should the New York Knicks trade Mikal Bridges? What type of player should they target in return? And can Mike Brown fix the Knicks' struggling offense before their slow start becomes a bigger problem? Catch the full breakdown and stay locked in for more New York Knicks coverage, NBA trade analysis and 2026-27 season updates. #mik albridges #mikalbridges #newyorkknicks #knicks #knickstraderumors #jalenbrunson #karlanthonytowns #oganunoby #joshhart #mikebrown #nbatraderumors #nbatrades #nba2026 #nba2027 #cyroasseo #hoopshype #nba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
