Inside The Nets

Mikal Bridges is The Nets' Secret Weapon in Player Recruitment

Bridges has been a positive influence for the Brooklyn Nets locker room, but he is also perceived as an enticing player to other player.

Peter Sunjic

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The Brooklyn Nets have made sure to lock down Mikal Bridges to the organization as they see him as a central piece of their long-term plans. He is a productive player on both sides of the floor as he can be a go-to guy on offense and a premier defensive stopper.

Mikal's positive presence in the locker room is universally appreciated, contributing significantly to fostering a positive team culture and making him an appealing player for potential free agents or those exploring trade opportunities.

“I think it’s just being who I am, that’s how culture starts,” Bridges said to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. “Bringing in good people. I think there’s nothing else to it. Just bringing energy, being who I am, and just being nice. Basically, be myself, and hopefully, people will follow.”

Mikal is a friendly guy

The NBA is filled with players who are friends with each other and seemingly, Mikal is one of the most popular guys around the league. While he is not throwing recruitment pitches all around the league, his presence alone is helpful to negotiations.

When Damian Lillard requested a trade, the Nets were seen as a viable option to some because he spoke about how he would love to play with Mikal. This is why Bridges' amiable nature is impactful; it genuinely attracts other players, making them desire to play alongside him.

“I’m friends with a lot of people. I think friendships help,” Bridges said.

The future is bright for the Nets

With the Villanova alum still under contract for the next three years, encompassing the 2023/24 season, the team has secured him for the foreseeable future. He is anticipated to remain in Brooklyn, likely until he turns 30 when his contract concludes. He has cemented himself as one of the guys the organization trusts alongside his “twin” Cameron Johnson.

Bridges has the potential to influence the recruitment of future players to the Nets, a favorable prospect for the team given his status as a franchise mainstay. The upcoming free agency periods for the Nets are likely to be intriguing, given the forward's positive relationships with players across the league.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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