Brooklyn Nets and Mikal Bridges: Trade Rumors and Realities
The Brooklyn Nets are resolutely keeping Mikal Bridges despite persistent trade rumors that have been swirling around him. Various teams around the league—from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets—have made enticing offers, yet the Nets remain steadfast in their decision. Memphis even offered four first-round picks, while Houston proposed to give back their own picks to the Nets. Despite these tempting offers, Brooklyn has continuously rejected them, making it clear that Bridges is not on the table.
However, the frequency of new rumors and trade ideas involving Bridges raises the question: what is fueling this continuous swirl of trade speculation? And if he were available, who could realistically acquire him?
Why Mikal Bridges is in Trade Rumors
The Nets find themselves in a complex situation. Last season, they struggled and were not even close to competing for a Play-In spot. The current roster shows little promise of significant improvement for the next season. Additionally, the Nets don’t control their first-round picks through 2027, complicating efforts to rebuild or contend. Rebuilding appears as the more likely scenario.
There had been belief that New York-born Donovan Mitchell might become available in the future, and the Nets would have cap space during his potential free agency in 2025—allowing them to acquire him at a decent price. If Mitchell decides to stay put, no other star from New York fits the bill as neatly. This leaves Bridges in the spotlight.
Bridges is a high-end 3-and-D wing with secondary shot creation abilities. He is also under a notably affordable contract, 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, especially if the Nets opt for a full rebuild.
Why the Nets Would Keep Him
There are solid reasons for the Nets to retain Bridges. Should the Nets secure a star player, Bridges would thrive as a supportive cast member. Bridges is a player who could serve admirably as a No. 2 option. Finding a top player is more challenging compared to finding a reliable sidekick like Bridges.
Moreover, the Nets have accumulated numerous future picks from other teams. These picks could be instrumental in acquiring a star player in the future. Unexpected events could also make other players available, providing further opportunities. By retaining Bridges, the Nets maintain the facade of striving for immediate success, avoiding a complete rebuild which would be tantamount to admitting defeat from the Durant era.
Such franchise-altering decisions can have serious implications, including potential job losses within the front office, which could bias decision-making towards maintaining the status quo.
Potential Destinations
Though Bridges would be a valuable addition to many teams, not all potential trade partners offer what the Nets need—high-upside young players and draft picks.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets control the next four Nets first-round picks and hold the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft. Despite their initial offer of their picks for Bridges being declined in February, the No. 3 pick now holds greater appeal. Trading Bridges to Houston could set Brooklyn up for a tanking strategy. The Rockets are determined to win now, and Bridges fits their desired defensive identity.
New York Knicks
A potential Villanova reunion pairing Bridges with Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart is an enticing narrative. The Knicks also have an array of picks and players to trade. However, it’s noteworthy that the two teams haven’t conducted a trade since 1983.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz control their own picks and are eager to win, having previously considered acquiring Jrue Holiday. Utah could offer an attractive 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, making them a compelling trade partner.
The Latest Reporting
Despite all the trade speculation, the latest reporting indicates 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. There is no strong reason to believe the Nets will trade Bridges in the near future. For now, the Nets are intent on keeping him.