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, while Houston offered their own picks back to the Nets. Yet, Brooklyn has continuously rejected these offers. Bridges is not on the table. It's intriguing how frequently new rumors and trade ideas involving Bridges emerge. This begs the question: What is fueling this continuous swirl of trade speculation? Who could realistically acquire him if he were available?
Why He's in 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. Additionally, the Nets don't control their first-round picks through 2027, necessitating a clear strategic direction: rebuild or find a way to contend. Rebuilding appears to be the more likely scenario, especially given the uncertainties around acquiring a star player like New York-born Donovan Mitchell, who might become available in 2025. The Nets would have cap space during his potential free agency, allowing them to acquire him at a decent price. If Mitchell stays put, no other star from New York fits the bill as neatly.
Bridges is a high-end 3-and-D wing with secondary shot creation abilities. His contract is notably affordable, valued at $48.2 million over the next two seasons. From a trade perspective, the best time to maximize Bridges' value could be right now.
Why the Nets Would Keep Him
There are solid reasons for the Nets to retain Bridges. If the Nets secure a star player, Bridges would thrive as a supportive cast member. Bridges could 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 could make other players available. By retaining Bridges, the Nets maintain the outward facade of striving for immediate success. A complete rebuild would mean admitting defeat from the Durant era. Such franchise-altering decisions can have serious implications, including potential job losses within the front office, which could bias decision-making.
What Destinations Make Sense?
Bridges would be a valuable addition to many teams. High-upside young players and draft picks are attractive to Brooklyn. Let’s look at some plausible destinations.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets control the next four Nets' first-round picks. They also hold the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft. While the Rockets’ initial offer of their picks for Bridges was turned down in February, 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. However, the two teams haven't conducted a trade since 1983, adding an element of unpredictability.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz control their own picks and are looking to win now, having previously considered Jrue Holiday. Utah could offer an attractive package of draft picks, including their own, those from the Cavaliers, and the Timberwolves. The Jazz also have the financial flexibility to extend Bridges' contract early.
What is the Latest Reporting?
Despite ongoing speculation, the latest reports indicate 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. For now, the Nets are intent on keeping him.