Brooklyn Nets and Mikal Bridges
The Brooklyn Nets are firmly committed to keeping Mikal Bridges despite widespread trade rumors. Teams around the league, from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets, have made enticing offers attempting to acquire him. Memphis dangled four first-round picks, while Houston offered their own picks back to the Nets. Nevertheless, Brooklyn has consistently rejected these offers, making it clear that Bridges is not on the table.
It's intriguing how frequently new rumors and trade ideas involving Bridges emerge, which 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, and the current roster shows little promise of significant improvement for the next season. Compounding the issue, the Nets don't control their first-round picks through 2027. They need to either rebuild entirely or find a way to contend, and rebuilding appears to be the more likely scenario.
There was a belief that New York-born Donovan Mitchell might become available. The Nets would have cap space during his potential free agency in 2025, allowing them to acquire him at a reasonable price. However, 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. Given these attributes, the best time to trade Bridges for maximum value could be right now.
Why the Nets Would Keep Him
There are solid reasons for the Nets to retain Bridges, even amidst the flurry of trade rumors. If the Nets secure a star player, Bridges would thrive as a supporting cast member and 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. With unexpected events possibly making other players available, retaining Bridges maintains the outward facade of striving for immediate success.
A complete rebuild would be admitting defeat from the Durant era, which could have serious implications for the franchise. Potential job losses within the front office could bias decision-making, further complicating the team's trajectory.
What Destinations Make Sense?
If the Nets were to entertain trading Bridges, several destinations would make sense, each offering unique advantages for Brooklyn.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets control the next four Nets first-round picks and also 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, while the Rockets are keen on winning now. Bridges fits their desired defensive identity, making this a potential win-win situation.
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. Despite this historical gap, the potential chemistry and cohesion among former Villanova players could merit consideration.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz control their own picks and are looking to win, having previously considered Jrue Holiday. Utah could offer an attractive package of draft picks, including their own, those from the Cavaliers, and the Timberwolves. With financial flexibility to extend Bridges' contract early, the Jazz present a compelling option for a potential trade partner.
What is the Latest Reporting?
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 currently no strong reason to believe that the Nets will trade Bridges, as they appear intent on keeping him for now.