Brooklyn Nets and Mikal Bridges
The Brooklyn Nets are resolutely holding onto Mikal Bridges despite widespread trade rumors.
Teams around the league, from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets, have made enticing offers. Memphis even dangled four first-round picks, while Houston offered their own picks back to the Nets. Yet, Brooklyn has continuously rejected these offers. Bridges is simply 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? And who could realistically acquire him if he were ever 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. Moreover, the Nets don't control their first-round picks through 2027. They need to either rebuild or find a way to contend. Rebuilding appears to be the more likely scenario.
There was a belief that New York-born Donovan Mitchell might become available, with the idea that the Nets would have cap space during his potential free agency in 2025. This would allow 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, and 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 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. He 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 be admitting defeat from the Durant era, and such franchise-altering decisions can have serious implications. Potential job losses within the front office 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. Several teams could realistically put together a package to tempt Brooklyn, even if they're currently rebuffing all offers.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets control the next four Nets first-round picks and 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. 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, though 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 Jrue Holiday. Utah could offer an attractive package of draft picks, including their own and those from the Cavaliers and the Timberwolves. The Jazz also have the financial flexibility to extend Bridges' contract early.
What is the Latest Reporting?
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, as the team seems intent on keeping him for now.