According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Houston Rockets recently reached out to the Brooklyn Nets in hopes of acquiring Mikal Bridges. O’Connor said the Rockets have interest in trading the No. 3 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft to acquire the 27-year-old. However, the Nets would reportedly prefer to keep Bridges and build around him.
“League sources say the Rockets have had conversations with the Grizzlies about trading down from this pick, and that the Rockets hold out hope that the Nets would be willing to move Mikal Bridges for it. But those same sources say the Nets, on the contrary, prefer to add pieces around Bridges.”
Additionally, Kurt Helin of NBC Sports echoed O’Connell’s statements.
“It also makes sense that the Rockets would like to trade that pick for Brooklyn’s Mikal Bridges. I would also like to trade my VW for an Aston Martin. It’s about the same odds of happening. The Nets have been consistent in saying they are hoping to use Bridges as a lure to bring another star to Brooklyn and build from there. They are not trading him for the No. 3 pick in this draft. Nice try, though, Houston.”
Bridges is fresh off his first full season in Brooklyn. The Nets acquired the wing from the Phoenix Suns in a deal for star Kevin Durant. During the 2023-24 season, Bridges averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Additionally, he shot 43.6% from the field and 37.2% from beyond the arc.
Brooklyn Nets Unlikely to Trade Top Trade Candidate
Who the Nets Could Land to Pair With Mikal Bridges
Following the Cleveland Cavaliers’ playoff exit, all eyes are on the status of Donovan Mitchell. The five-time All-Star has one season left on his contract and a player option for the 2025-26 season. Mitchell is eligible for a contract extension this offseason. However, nothing is imminent. Recently, the Nets emerged as a team who may have interest in Mitchell’s services, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto and Nets beat writer Brian Lewis.
Michael Scotto: Brian, I know in the past you haven’t been at liberty to say who the Nets could go after. Donovan Mitchell (coughs). That’s who I’m looking at.
Lewis: I think everything they’ve done implies to me for the last year and change that this is a reset for 2025. Now, I have also added the caveat that there are a few players who could accelerate that process. Donovan Mitchell is one of those few.
While the Cavaliers believe they will extend Mitchell, it is a story to monitor during the offseason.
The Last Word on Mikal Bridges
In his short Nets stint so far, Bridges has showcased All-Star potential. However, the jury is still out on if the Nets can truly build their roster around him. Acquiring an elite talent like Mitchell to pair alongside Bridges could be a good idea for Brooklyn. Last season, the Nets finished with a 32-50 record and finished four games back of a Play-In spot. While they are not likely to contend for a championship anytime soon, there is a solid foundation in Brooklyn.
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