NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers - Source: ImagnJay-Z answered indecisively when asked to choose between Knicks and Nets (Source: Imagn)

Similar to the rivalry between the LA Lakers and LA Clippers, the same can be said for the New York Knicks and New York Nets. During his appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York City, famous rapper Jay-Z was asked by a reporter which NBA team from the city was he a fan of. The “99 Problems” artist responded by choosing both instead of picking one from the other.

Despite the iconic rapper being born in Brooklyn, New York, he is still a fan of both teams that represent the city in the NBA. He has also been in attendance at games in Madison Square Garden on occasions with the coverage lending some screen time to him.

The clip of his answer was shared by New York Post’s Peter Botte on X, formerly known as “Twitter.”

“Both. New York City,” Jay-Z said.

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Jay-Z is known as a basketball fan as he has interacted with various players from before and in the modern age. Whether it’s conversing with the likes of LeBron James and Jayson Tatum or with the late Kobe Bryant, the artist has been part of the NBA celebrity culture since then.

Nets GM describes Knicks’ acquisition of Mikal Bridges as “best pathway” for the organization

How Mikal Bridges Went From Supporting Player To Star | FiveThirtyEight

Mikal Bridges was originally acquired by the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023 in exchange for Kevin Durant. In the two seasons he played for the franchise, he averaged 21.2 points (44.7% shooting, including 37.3% from beyond the arc), 4.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.

During a press con in the offseason, Nets GM Sean Marks talked about the thought process that went into the Knicks’ acquisition of Mikal Bridges. He highlighted that there was no bad blood that occurred between the organization and Bridges. Marks also didn’t highlight any possible grievances in sending him to a New York opponent.

“I believe that this was the best pathway for us to go down right now,” Marks said, “Instead of waiting. And we could have kept waiting. I mean, there’s no shortage of people who want to play with Mikal and the like because he’s a heck of a talent out there. And we’ll miss him.”

Back when Bridges was still wearing a Nets jersey, there were reports that he was envisioned as part of the franchise’s important pieces moving forward to the future. However, it looks as if the organization is ready to head in a different direction with them entering another rebuild phase.

Now with the Knicks, he will be playing alongside his former Villanova Wildcats teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. Bridges has established himself as one of the most reliable contributors on the court. Aside from his defensive specialty, the Knicks forward is also a reliable offensive option, being a career 48.0% shotmaker on the court.