The New York Knicks have successfully achieved a balanced financial agreement to finalize the Mikal Bridges trade, according to a reliable source. In addition to a sign-and-trade involving guard Shake Milton, the Knicks will include roster-filler Mamadi Diakite, as well as Bojan Bogdanovic. Furthermore, the team is also offering five future first-round picks and one pick swap to the Nets as part of the deal.

The motive behind the inclusion of additional players and draft picks is the Knicks' need to increase their salary commitment in the trade. By doing so, they aim to avoid being limited to the $178.1 million first apron, which could result in luxury tax complications.

A source close to the situation revealed that the Knicks had deliberately factored in the possibility of not being subjected to the first apron restrictions. In fact, it was stated that the team has always been determined to remain below the second apron, regardless of any other roster changes or free agency movements. This clear strategy was in place, regardless of the outcome of Isaiah Hartenstein's free agency or any other subsequent transactions.

The trade will also see the Knicks acquiring forward Keita Bates-Diop from the Brooklyn Nets, as part of the agreement. This acquisition will take place after Shake Milton signs a three-year, $9 million contract, which is rumored to include two non-guaranteed years. Bates-Diop's inclusion in the deal is advantageous for the Knicks as he is currently on a minimum salary, thus not affecting salary-matching obligations.

Mikal Bridges, who has an impressive record of appearing in 474 consecutive NBA games since the start of his career, is set to become a key addition to the Knicks' roster. With an average of 19.6 points per game in the previous season with the Nets, Bridges' scoring prowess will be a valuable asset to the team. Furthermore, he will be reuniting with his former Villanova teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo, creating a formidable Villanova reunion within the Knicks' squad.

The Knicks, who finished in second place in the Eastern Conference last season with a commendable 50-32 record, unfortunately suffered early playoff elimination in the second round against the Pacers due to a series of untimely injuries. With the addition of Mikal Bridges to their roster, the team is determined to further strengthen their chances of success in the upcoming season.

This trade not only demonstrates the Knicks' commitment to building a competitive team but also highlights their willingness to make strategic moves to optimize their financial flexibility. As the NBA offseason continues, it remains to be seen how this trade will impact the team's future and whether it will propel them closer to their championship aspirations.