Chris Paul sent a football helmet to Mikal Bridges after his trade to the Nets.
This gift was revealed by Bridges on Instagram Live.

What happened?

Mikal Bridges was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023.
He then won an NBA championship with the New York Knicks.

Why it matters for Chris Paul

Chris Paul's gift to Mikal Bridges shows their friendship.
Bridges and Paul were teammates on the Phoenix Suns from 2018 to 2023.

What comes next?

Mikal Bridges will continue to play for the Knicks.
Chris Paul is now in retirement, but his humor remains.

The football helmet gift was a joke about the Nets playing football in the East.
Bridges appreciated the gift and called Paul a "troll" on Instagram Live.

On June 15, 2026, Bridges shared the story of the gift.
He thanked Chris Paul for the helmet and called him his "vet".

Chris Paul and Mikal Bridges formed a strong bond during their time on the Suns.
This bond remains even after Bridges' trade to the Nets and then the Knicks.

Mikal Bridges is now 29 years old and has achieved success with the Knicks.
The football helmet will be a reminder of his friendship with Chris Paul.

The trade that sent Mikal Bridges to the Nets included multiple first-round picks.
The Nets received five first-round picks and other assets in the deal.

Chris Paul's retirement has not stopped him from showing his humor.
The gift to Mikal Bridges is an example of his lighthearted personality.

The Phoenix Suns have undergone significant changes since Chris Paul's time on the team.
Mikal Bridges and Devin Booker were key players during Paul's tenure.

The NBA championship win by the Knicks was a significant achievement for Mikal Bridges.
He has come a long way since his time on the Suns with Chris Paul.