Brooklyn Nets Not 'Interested' In Houston Rockets No. 3 Pick For Mikal Bridges

The Brooklyn Nets aren't interested in trading Mikal Bridges to the Houston Rockets.

Apr 3, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroder (17) and Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges (1) during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports / John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets don't have a selection during the 2024 NBA Draft. While it's not uncertain they won't trade into the draft, they won't be selecting with the No. 3 overall pick, which the Houston Rockets own courtesy of the Nets.

A potential trade surrounding Mikal Bridges and the Rockets' No. 3 overall pick had been rumored, though Kurt Helin of NBC Sports reported on Wednesday that a trade as such will not materialize.

"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," Helin reported. "They are not trading him for the No. 3 pick in this draft. Nice try, though, Houston."

Right or wrong, it seems the Nets have some sort of direction -- for now, at least. That could soon change, but holding onto Bridges and re-signing Nic Claxton is the team's clearest path to competing at their highest level, and pursuing a star might be their last option in trying to build a contender.

Sure, the Nets can give it one last go. Re-sign the win-now talents on the roster from last season and try to acquire a star to build a fringe contender. If that doesn't come to fruition, though, it might be time for the Nets to trade their players of value for young assets and future draft picks.

A youth movement could be on the horizon, as the Nets could find their way to contention, but that window will be short-lived and the only path to a long-term championship window is through a rebuild.

It'll be interesting to watch the Nets' offseason play out should they re-sign Claxton and hold onto Bridges -- their most coveted trade asset. It'll be clear the team isn't ready for a reset if that's the case.

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