Brooklyn Nets and Mikal Bridges: A Complicated Relationship
The Brooklyn Nets are steadfast in their commitment to retaining Mikal Bridges despite the flurry of trade rumors enveloping him. Teams across the NBA, from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets, have dangled enticing offers. Memphis even put four first-round picks on the table, while Houston offered their own picks back to the Nets. Despite these substantial offers, Brooklyn has consistently rejected them. Bridges is simply not available. This persistent interest in trading for Bridges raises several questions. What fuels this whirl of trade speculation? Who could realistically acquire him if he were available?
Why He's in Trade Rumors
The Nets are navigating a complex situation. Last season, their performance wasn’t even strong enough to compete for a Play-In spot. Their current roster shows little promise of significant improvement for the upcoming season. Additionally, the Nets do not control their own first-round picks through 2027, creating a precarious position where they must choose between rebuilding and finding a pathway to contend. Rebuilding appears to be the more viable route.
There was speculation that Donovan Mitchell, a New York native, could become available. The Nets would have the cap space for his potential free agency in 2025, enabling them to acquire him at a reasonable price. If Mitchell remains with his current team, no other star from the New York area seems to fit as neatly into the Nets' plans.
Bridges, a high-end 3-and-D wing with secondary shot creation abilities, stands out due to his affordable contract, valued at $48.2 million over the next two seasons. Given the skills he brings and his manageable contract, the best time to trade Bridges for maximum value might indeed be right now.
Why the Nets Would Keep Him
Despite the appeal of trading Bridges for valuable assets, there are compelling reasons for the Nets to retain him. If the team manages to secure a star player, Bridges would excel as a support cast member. His skill set makes him an exceptional No. 2 option, and finding a top-tier player is often more challenging than sourcing a reliable sidekick like Bridges.
The Nets have also accumulated numerous future picks from other teams, which could be instrumental in acquiring a star player in the future. The landscape of the NBA is unpredictable; unexpected events could make other players available. By holding onto Bridges, the Nets maintain an outward appearance of striving for immediate success, avoiding the blow of a full-scale rebuild that would signal a complete failure of the Durant era. Such franchise-altering decisions have far-reaching implications, including potential job losses within the front office, which could cloud decision-making processes.
What Destinations Make Sense?
Should the Nets consider trading Bridges, several teams would make logical destinations. 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. While their initial offer of their picks for Bridges was turned down in February, the No. 3 pick holds greater appeal. Trading Bridges to Houston could set Brooklyn up for a tanking strategy. The Rockets are eager to win now and Bridges fits their desired defensive identity.
New York Knicks
A reunion of Villanova alums pairing Bridges with Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart is an intriguing narrative. The Knicks have a plethora of picks and players they could trade. However, the two teams haven't conducted a trade since 1983, adding an element of historical reluctance.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz control their own picks and are looking to win. They previously considered acquiring Jrue Holiday. Utah could offer a desirable package of draft picks, including their own and those from the Cavaliers and Timberwolves. The Jazz also have the financial flexibility to extend Bridges' contract early.
What is the Latest Reporting?
As of now, 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 compelling reason to believe the Nets will trade Bridges anytime soon. The team appears intent on keeping him for the foreseeable future.