Mikal Bridges' slump: Is the iron man a detriment?

Mikal Bridges, known for his ironman streak of 643 consecutive regular season games, is facing scrutiny and trade speculation with the New York Knicks. As of November 1, 2026, Bridges is experiencing a significant scoring slump, averaging just 6.2 points per game on 33.3% shooting through the first six games of the season. This has led to him being benched in critical moments, including playing only 13 minutes in a recent game.

Fans and analysts are questioning if Bridges' dedication to maintaining his games played streak is impacting his overall competitiveness and potentially causing mental fatigue. His performance last season also showed a dip, with his lowest scoring average since 2021-22 and multiple single-digit scoring games. This decline, coupled with the high price the Knicks paid to acquire him, is leading the team to consider trade options.

One rumored potential deal could see Isaiah Hartenstein returning to the Knicks, which would bolster their frontcourt and provide cap flexibility. While Bridges is a valuable player, especially considering his contributions to the team's championship run, his current struggles and age make him potentially the most replaceable starter. However, it is noted that he may still rebound and finish the season strong.