Brooklyn Nets and Mikal Bridges
The Brooklyn Nets are steadfastly holding onto Mikal Bridges despite persistent trade rumors circulating around him. Various teams across the league, from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets, have put forth attractive offers in hopes of acquiring the talented wing. Memphis, for instance, dangled four first-round picks, while Houston proposed offering their own picks back to the Nets. Yet, Brooklyn has consistently rejected these overtures. Simply put, Bridges is not on the table.
It’s intriguing how frequently new rumors and trade ideas involving Bridges emerge. This constant swirl of speculation begs the question: What is fueling this ongoing trade discussion? And who could realistically acquire him if he were indeed available?
Why He's in Trade Rumors
The Nets find themselves in a complicated situation. Last season, they were not even competitive enough to vie for a Play-In spot, and with the current roster, there's scant promise of substantial improvement for the upcoming season. Adding to their predicament, the Nets do not control their first-round picks through 2027. Given this scenario, the franchise is faced with a critical decision: either embark on a rebuild or find a way to become contenders.
Rebuilding seems to be the more likely scenario. There was hope that New York-born Donovan Mitchell might become available, and the Nets would have the cap space to pursue him during his potential free agency in 2025. This would enable them to acquire Mitchell at a reasonable price, but if he remains with his current team, no other star from New York fits the bill as neatly.
Bridges, meanwhile, stands out as 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 factors, the optimal time to trade Bridges for maximum return might be right now.
Why the Nets Would Keep Him
However, there are also compelling reasons for the Nets to retain Bridges. If the Nets succeed in securing a star player, Bridges would excel as a supportive cast member. He could serve as an excellent No. 2 option. Finding a top player is more challenging compared to finding a reliable sidekick of Bridges' caliber. The Nets have accumulated numerous future picks from other teams, which could be pivotal in acquiring a star player should one become available.
Moreover, holding onto Bridges allows the Nets to maintain an outward facade of striving for immediate success. Embracing a full rebuild would be akin to admitting defeat from the Kevin Durant era, a franchise-altering decision with far-reaching implications, including potential job losses within the front office. These factors could undoubtedly bias decision-making.
Potential Destinations
Bridges would be a valuable asset to many teams. High-upside young players and draft picks are particularly attractive to Brooklyn.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets control the next four Nets first-round picks and hold the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft. Although Houston's 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 position Brooklyn for a tanking strategy, given the Rockets' keenness on winning now and Bridges fitting 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 offer, although it's worth noting that 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, which include their own as well as those from the Cavaliers and Timberwolves. Additionally, the Jazz have the financial flexibility to extend Bridges' contract early, making them a viable trading partner.
The Latest Reporting
Despite the deluge of trade rumors, the latest reports suggest that the Nets have "expressed zero interest" in trading Bridges this offseason. All trade inquiries, including those from the Grizzlies and Rockets, have been rebuffed. As it stands, there is no strong reason to believe the Nets will trade Bridges, indicating that he remains an integral part of their plans for now.