The Brooklyn Nets are firmly keeping Mikal Bridges despite widespread trade rumors. Teams around the league, from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Houston Rockets, have made enticing offers. Memphis dangled four first-round picks, and Houston offered their own picks back to the Nets. Yet, Brooklyn has continuously rejected these offers, emphasizing that Bridges is not on the table. It's intriguing how frequently new rumors and trade ideas involving Bridges emerge, despite the Nets' consistent denials. This begs the question: What is fueling this continuous swirl of trade speculation? Moreover, who could realistically acquire him if he were 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. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the Nets don't control their first-round picks through 2027. They need to either rebuild or find a way to contend, with rebuilding appearing as the more likely scenario.
Interestingly, there was a belief that New York-born Donovan Mitchell might leave Cleveland and become available, with the Nets having cap space during his potential free agency in 2025. This would allow them to acquire him at a decent price. However, if Mitchell stays put, no other star from New York fits the bill as neatly.
Bridges, with his versatile skill set, is a high-end 3-and-D wing with secondary shot creation abilities. His contract is also notably affordable, valued at $48.2 million over the next two seasons, and its value will only increase as it comes closer to expiration. Thus, the best time to trade Bridges for maximum value could be right now.
Why the Nets Would Keep Him
Despite the trade rumors, there are solid reasons for the Nets to retain Bridges. A key factor is that if the Nets manage to secure a star player, Bridges would thrive as a supportive cast member, augmenting the team's overall performance. The Nets currently lack a primary star necessary for building a competitive team, but Bridges could serve as an excellent No. 2 option. Finding a top player is a more challenging task compared to finding a reliable sidekick like Bridges.
The Nets have accumulated numerous future picks from other teams, notably the Phoenix Suns. These picks could be instrumental in acquiring a star player who, alongside Bridges, could elevate the team. The availability of top-tier players is often unpredictable. Names like Trae Young, Brandon Ingram, and Karl-Anthony Towns have floated around in rumors, but unexpected events could make other players available as well. By retaining Bridges, the Nets maintain the outward facade of striving for immediate success rather than diving into a multi-year rebuild. Acknowledging the need for a complete rebuild would be 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.
What Destinations Make Sense?
Bridges would be a valuable addition to many teams given his skill set and affordability. A few potential destinations stand out, especially those with the necessary assets to pique the Nets' interest. 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 the Rockets’ 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 set Brooklyn up for a tanking strategy, while the Rockets would gain a solid player to bolster their young core. 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. However, the rivalry between the Knicks and Nets adds a layer of complication, as the two teams haven't conducted a trade since 1983.
Utah Jazz
Both the Jazz and Nets are in similar situations but with a notable difference—the Jazz control their own picks. The Jazz are looking to win and previously considered Jrue Holiday. Utah could offer an attractive package of draft picks, including their own, along with those from the Cavaliers and Timberwolves. Additionally, the Jazz have financial flexibility to extend Bridges' contract early.
What is the Latest Reporting?
According to Fred Katz from The Athletic, 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 that the Nets will change their stance and trade Bridges. While common sense might suggest that the Nets should consider trading him, especially for future assets, it appears they are intent on keeping him for now.