Brooklyn Nets and Mikal Bridges
The Brooklyn Nets are firmly keeping Mikal Bridges despite widespread trade rumors. Teams around the league, from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets, have made enticing offers. Memphis dangled four first-round picks, and Houston offered their own picks back to the Nets. Yet, Brooklyn has continuously rejected these offers, firmly stating that Bridges is not on the table. This unwavering stance makes the frequent trade rumors and emerging trade ideas involving Bridges particularly intriguing.
What's Fueling Trade Rumors?
The Nets find themselves in a complex situation. Last season, they weren’t even good enough to compete for a Play-In spot. The current roster shows little promise of significant improvement for the next season. Moreover, the Nets don’t control their first-round picks through 2027, pushing them towards a difficult choice: either rebuild or find a way to contend. Given the circumstances, rebuilding appears the more likely scenario.
There was a belief that New York-born Donovan Mitchell might become available, with the Nets potentially having cap space during his free agency in 2025 to acquire him at a decent price. However, if Mitchell stays put, no other star from New York fits the bill as neatly. Thus, Bridges, a high-end 3-and-D wing with secondary shot creation abilities on an affordable contract valued at $48.2 million over the next two seasons, becomes the center of attention. The best time to trade Bridges for maximum value could arguably be now.
Why the Nets Would Keep Him
There are solid reasons for the Nets to retain Bridges. Should the Nets secure a star player, Bridges would thrive as a supportive cast member and potentially serve as an excellent No. 2 option. Finding a top player is more challenging compared to finding a reliable sidekick like Bridges.
The Nets have accumulated numerous future picks from other teams, which could be instrumental in acquiring a star player. Unexpected events in the tumultuous NBA landscape could make other players available. By retaining Bridges, the Nets maintain the outward facade of striving for immediate success. Engaging in a complete rebuild would be akin to admitting defeat from the Durant era, a franchise-altering decision with potentially serious implications, including job losses within the front office.
Potential Destinations
Bridges would be a valuable addition to many teams. The key for Brooklyn would be high-upside young players and draft picks in return. Let's examine a few potential destinations:
Houston Rockets
The Rockets control the next four Nets first-round picks and hold the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft. Their initial offer of their picks for Bridges was turned down in February, but the No. 3 pick now holds greater appeal. Trading Bridges to Houston could set Brooklyn up for a tanking strategy. The Rockets are keen on winning now, and Bridges fits their desired defensive identity.
New York Knicks
A Villanova reunion pairing Bridges with Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart is an enticing narrative. The Knicks have an array of picks and players to trade, though the two teams haven't conducted a trade since 1983.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz control their own picks and are looking to win, having previously considered acquiring Jrue Holiday. Utah could offer an attractive package of draft picks, including those from the Cavaliers and Timberwolves. Additionally, the Jazz have the financial flexibility to extend Bridges' contract early.
The Latest Reporting
Despite the continuous swirl of trade speculation, the latest reporting indicates that the Nets have shown "expressed zero interest" in trading Bridges this offseason. All trade inquiries, including those from the Grizzlies and Rockets, have been rebuffed. There is no strong reason to believe the Nets will trade Bridges, as they are intent on keeping him for now.