The Boston Celtics, the 2024 NBA Champions, are already making waves in the basketball world as the New York Knicks have made a bold move in an attempt to challenge the reigning champions next season.

A recent trade involving Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges heading to the Knicks in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic and a slew of draft picks has caught the attention of NBA fans everywhere. The Knicks have relinquished several future draft picks, including first-rounders in 2025, 2027, 2029, and 2031, a second-rounder in 2026, an unprotected pick swap in 2028, and the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2025 first-round pick to acquire Bridges.

With Bridges set to join his former Villanova teammates on the Knicks, including Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart, the team is gearing up to face the Celtics after an impressive season in the Eastern Conference.

If the Knicks can secure free-agent forward OG Anunoby, they will have a formidable roster to challenge the likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown of the Celtics. However, retaining Anunoby may prove challenging given the recent trade.

Following their championship win, the Celtics have become the target for other teams in the conference, leading to drastic moves like the Knicks’ trade for Bridges. Despite the Knicks’ efforts to strengthen their lineup, the Celtics dominated their matchups during the previous season, winning four out of five games against New York.

While the Knicks may not have overcome the Celtics on the court, their strong performance against other teams in the latter part of the season showcased their potential. With Anunoby’s impact and the team’s defensive prowess, the Knicks are positioning themselves to rival the Celtics in the upcoming season.