Brooklyn Nets' future plans: Mikal Bridges as a complementary piece

Nets eyes trade and free agent market to build around the miscast star.

© Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

One of the hottest topics within the Brooklyn Nets' disappointing rally this regular season centers around Mikal Bridges.

From dropping 26.1 points and amassing everyone's regard as the league's newest star during the second half of last season, Mikal’s run with the Nets this 2023/24 turned out to be underwhelming. He didn't entirely live up to the massive expectations that were placed on him in assuming the role of the franchise's newest leader in the post-Durant/Irving era. This led many to believe that Bridges has been miscast by Brooklyn in being the team's primary option, as he hasn't been able to lead them in a productive campaign with a reeling 21-34 record that puts them at the problematic 11th spot of the East.

Despite Bridges' struggles to adopt the frontman role and other rival teams’ past trade inquiries for his service, the Nets have maintained their commitment to him. And apparently, the ball club remains focused on continuing to build around the 27-year-old as a complementary foundation.

A complementing piece

On the latest episode of The HoopsHype Podcast, Michael Scotto dismissed the notion that the Nets are constructing a group with Mikal as their No. 1 option. Instead, the franchise has its goal of pairing him with one or two league stars, with Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton playing important roles as fellow core members.

“There seems to be this false narrative out there that the Brooklyn Nets are building around Mikal Bridges as the No. 1 option. While Bridges is certainly a part of the core, and I’d include Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton – who, again, the Nets want to re-sign in unrestricted free agency – the ultimate plan is to add another star or two around Bridges via trade or free agency while Bridges is on a team-friendly contract for the next two seasons.”

Mikal is a perfect companion for any Nets’ ideal stars

As it is, this stands as the most ideal plan in the Nets' ongoing intentions to continue competing and contending. While Mikal might not be an ideal top player to carry the load, he meanwhile possesses a special and renowned two-way skill set that can perfectly mesh with any bona fide stars that the team can soon acquire. With his improved offense and elite defensive capabilities, Mikal fits much better to back up any star power for Brooklyn.

Thankfully enough, they have one of the most lucrative draft chests, which they can use for any blockbuster trades to acquire an All-Star. But considering their current situation, the Nets might still have to continue waiting and observing any available stars that can fulfill their grand plan.

The Kevin Ollie era starts with the Nets stumbling in a 121-98 loss to the Raptors