The New York Knicks paid a premium price to acquire Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in the 2024 offseason, trading five future first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, and a second-round pick. 

In nearly two full seasons with the Knicks, Bridges has been a top contributor for the team, averaging 17.6 points on 35% shooting from three last season and 15 points on 37% from three this season. 

Fans have hoped for better overall numbers given the amount of draft capital given up, but the Knicks won 51 games last season, made the Eastern Conference Finals, and are on a similar pace this season. 

Bridges also has the best ability in the sport: availability. He played all 82 games last season and has played all 67 games this year.

Though Bridges has been consistent in what he's provided the team, his play has taken a noticeable dip in recent contests. 

After a 25-point outing against the San Antonio Spurs on March 1, Bridges is averaging just 7.8 points on 41% shooting from the field and 23% from three in his last six games. 

“The aggression thing is not an issue at all. I don’t think that’s the issue at all. Even if I miss a couple, there’s nothing wrong with that. Nah, I don’t think that’s the issue," Bridges told the New York Post. 

Ruling out aggression, Bridges asked what has led to his recent slump, "I don’t know. I think it’s just the game of basketball. Sometimes you try to get open and sometimes it doesn’t find me. Just try to find ways to stay aggressive. That’s it.”

Bridges averages 33 minutes per game, down from the 37 he played last season, and hasn't played over 30 minutes in his last four games. He's also failed to score in the double figures in his last four games. 

The Knicks are going to need Bridges if they hope to get to where they ultimately want to go, which is the NBA Finals. They made it clear after winning the NBA Cup that they weren't satisfied with an in-season tournament trophy, and wanted something more. 

Bridges' performance against the Spurs, the second best team in the West, on March 1 should provide optimism.

Though his numbers have dipped in the last six games, lineups featuring Bridges are still the best lineups for the Knicks this season. When Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns are on the floor, they have a team high +8.5 net rating. 

That number is -7 in the last six games, show the struggles are real. 

The Knicks just have to hope that this stretch is a minor speedbump and not a giant pothole.