Brooklyn Nets and Mikal Bridges
The Brooklyn Nets have made it abundantly clear: Mikal Bridges is staying in Brooklyn. Despite numerous trade rumors and a series of enticing offers from various NBA teams, the Nets remain steadfast in their decision to keep Bridges. Among the offers, the Memphis Grizzlies dangled four first-round picks, while the Houston Rockets offered to return their first-round picks to Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Nets, however, have continuously rejected these proposals, maintaining that Bridges is not on the table.
It is intriguing to observe the constant flux of new rumors and trade ideas involving Bridges. This begs the question: What is fueling this persistent trade speculation? And which teams could realistically acquire him if he were made available?
Why Bridges is in Trade Rumors
The Nets are in a complicated situation. Last season, they were not competitive enough to secure a Play-In spot. Looking ahead, their current roster shows little promise of significant improvement for the next season. Compounding these challenges is the fact that the Nets do not control their own first-round picks through 2027. With no prospects for immediate success and without control over their first-round picks, the Nets face a crossroads: rebuild or find a way to contend.
Rebuilding appears to be a more likely scenario for Brooklyn. Initially, there was hope that New York-born Donovan Mitchell might become available. The Nets would have cap space during his potential free agency in 2025, which would have allowed them to acquire him at a reasonable price. If Mitchell remains with his current team, however, no other New York-born star seems to fit the bill as neatly.
Bridges is a high-end 3-and-D (three-point shooting and defense) 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 best time to trade Bridges for maximum value might indeed be right now.
Why the Nets Would Keep Him
There are solid reasons for the Nets to retain Bridges. Should the Nets land a star player, Bridges would thrive as part of the supporting cast, serving as an excellent No. 2 option. The reality is that finding a top-tier player is much more challenging than finding a reliable sidekick like Bridges. Moreover, the Nets have amassed numerous future picks from other teams. These assets could be instrumental in acquiring a star player, as unexpected events in the league often make new opportunities available.
By retaining Bridges, the Nets also maintain the facade of striving for immediate success. Acknowledging the need for a complete rebuild would be an admission of defeat since the Kevin Durant era. Such franchise-altering decisions can have far-reaching implications, including potential job losses within the front office, which could influence decision-making.
What Destinations Make Sense?
Bridges would be a valuable addition to many teams, making him an attractive trade target. High-upside young players and draft picks are what Brooklyn would likely seek in return, and several teams have the assets to make a compelling offer.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets control the next four first-round picks of the Nets, along with holding the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft. While Houston's initial offer of their picks was turned down in February, the No. 3 pick holds greater appeal. Trading Bridges to Houston could position Brooklyn for a tanking strategy, fitting the Rockets' desire to win now. Bridges would also match their envisioned defensive identity.
New York Knicks
A potential Villanova reunion between Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart is an exciting narrative. The Knicks have an array of picks and players that could be traded. Despite the two teams not conducting a trade since 1983, the possibilities remain intriguing.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz control their own picks and have expressed an interest in winning now. Given their previous consideration of acquiring Jrue Holiday, Utah could offer an attractive package of draft picks. These include their own picks, as well as those from the Cavaliers and the Timberwolves. Additionally, the Jazz have the financial flexibility to extend Bridges' contract early.
The Latest Reporting
According to the latest reports, the Nets have shown "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 that the Nets will trade Bridges. The organization appears determined to keep him, at least for now.