Nets’ Mikal Bridges Trade Talks Begin to Stall, Jazz Deal Unlikely
Since the Brooklyn Nets’ decision to part ways with future Hall of Famer, Kevin Durant in exchange for Mikal Bridges and some surrounding picks and players, rumors have persistently linked opposing teams interest in acquiring Bridges. A developing two-way star like he is, the interest generated is absolutely merited.
We saw flashes of greatness from Bridges once dealt to Brooklyn, where his scoring average jumped from 17 points to 26 per game, still maintaining extremely capable 47/37/89 shooting splits. Clearly, when given the keys to his own team, he’s shown the part of a potential number one offensive option. That’s why every opposing GM wants to get their hands on him.
Despite this interest, the Nets have seemed unwilling to reciprocate. As reported by John Hollinger of The Athletic, it’s not completely logical from their perspective to deal him:
"I have some terrible news for fans generating fake Mikal Bridges trades: The Nets don’t seem to have much incentive to play ball here. Brooklyn owes unprotected picks to Houston in 2024 and 2026 and unprotected swaps in 2025 and 2027. Thus, Brooklyn trading its good players and tanking would do a lot more for the Rockets than the Nets. Brooklyn’s likely best path forward is to muddle along with a Bridges-centric team, especially since he’s signed through 2026 to one of the league’s best contracts."
- John Hollinger on Mikal Bridges, via The Athletic
Brooklyn simply has no incentive to lose games considering their draft pick situation. Without complete control of their selection for four years, why would the team need to tank? It would be a much better option for them to simply try to generate a competitive team until they can correctly reset.
We’ve seen what the Nets can look like with a bad team and none of their draft assets, just look back less than a decade ago!
Therefore, don’t cross your fingers on Mikal Bridges getting dealt to the Utah Jazz. While the team likely would have the assets to trade for him, does it even benefit them to make the move? Keeping ahold of some of the future picks that would be required in a Bridges trade can probably be better used elsewhere. Whether that be in a separate trade or simply sticking and picking at those selections once developed, patience is key.
Bridges could actually be a fantastic fit with the Jazz, as he would also be with almost any team with his style of play. A two-way scoring wing might actually be a great addition to the Jazz’s core, but also... every other GM is likely thinking the same. A bidding war on Mikal Bridges would not be the best use of the Jazz’s extensive asset pool.
We’ll await any other news on any other stars being included in a trade package this summer. In terms of Mikal and the Nets, signs continue to point to his spot on the roster continuing into the next season.
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