"I'm excited about playing with them and with OG, Julius, and the rest" - Mikal Bridges on joining his Villanova teammates on the Knicks

The NBA is a business where teams focus more on winning titles and their bottom line than forging relationships. In fact, one moment, you could be having the time of your life, being teammates with someone you know from way back, and in just a blink of an eye, they could be traded to another team.

With that in mind, this makes what the New York Knicks have even more special. With premier two-way wingman Mikal Bridges getting traded to New York, he now reunites with his former teammates on the NCAA-title-winning Villanova Wildcats, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Dante DiVincenzo. This development creates a dynamic team with plenty of skills and, perhaps more importantly, chemistry.

Tried to make a name for themselves

After their successful stint in the NCAA, the close-knit quartet went their separate ways in search of NBA glory. Brunson got drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and established a reputation as a guard who could create plays for himself and his teammates. Mikal went to Phoenix and earned a reputation as a defensive wing before getting traded to Brooklyn, where he showcased the rest of his game.

Meanwhile, Donte and Josh bounced around numerous teams before eventually landing in New York with Jalen. By then, it was only a matter of time before rumors of Mikal joining the Knicks began circulating.

"Coming out of college, we were all trying to make the league and be successful. Jalen and Josh were the first two, then Dante went, and when Dante got there, the media started throwing my name out there, especially since I was in Brooklyn at the time. It made sense because I was right there and a good fit for them," Mikal shared on "7PM in Brooklyn."

Mikal said at that point, he was still a Net and didn't want to entertain those speculations. However, it didn't stop Hart from constantly fueling the fire.

"We didn't talk too much about it, honestly. Once it got closer, when I was in Brooklyn, and they were in New York, Josh, being the biggest troll in the world, was making Brooklyn fans hate me with all his jokes. I was like, 'Bro, what are you doing?'" Mikal hilariously recalled.

Related: Anthony Edwards' manager on what Steve Kerr told Ant-Man during pre-draft workout: "You're not the type of guy to give $50 million to"

Excited to get the process going

As terrific as it is to be playing with people you spent a lot of time with in college, Mikal knows there will be growing pains trying to integrate himself with his new teammates. After all, he won't be playing with just his Villanova comrades but also with other talented players like All-Star Julius Randle, and defensive players Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby.

"I'm excited about playing with them and with OG, Julius, and the rest of the team. I like the team we have and the situation we're in. I can't wait for those first days when we're trying to figure out what we're going to do and how we're connecting," the 6-foot-6 wingman said. "The whole building stage takes time, and I think they've already been here, so it's just about me adding to it and figuring out our game plan."

As crucial as skill and talent are in building a championship-caliber team, chemistry, and camaraderie are just as important. Bridges looks forward to joining a team with a strong foundation.

Related: "Maybe they're giving him something under the table" - Paul Pierce is shocked by Jalen Brunson's contract