Inside The Nets

Nets reject Rockets' trade attempts to acquire Mikal Bridges

Brooklyn turned down trade attempts of Houston for Mikal.

Peter Sunjic

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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The Brooklyn Nets are fully committed to Mikal Bridges, and they are unwilling to do a break-up at the expense of any returns that they can gain.

Sources told HoopsHype's Michael Scotto that the Houston Rockets are one of the teams that emerged interested in Bridges, but their intent and possible ways to acquire him were immediately rejected by Brooklyn.

“Talks never got to that stage because the Nets declined to entertain anything for Bridges when Houston inquired.”

Not for sale

Meanwhile, the aggressive Rockets did their best in recent weeks by piling up a lucrative package that features multiple first-rounders in hopes of convincing the Nets, but the team reportedly didn't flash any single interest to work out for a trade, according to Shams Charania, Kelly Iko and Sam Amick of The Athletic.

“Houston made an offer including multiple first-round draft picks for Bridges in recent weeks, but the Nets have zero interest in any deal involving Bridges, who is part of Brooklyn’s core moving forward.”

Brooklyn is committed to Bridges

The Rockets notably hold most of the Nets’ future picks due to the infamous James Harden trade back in 2021. Brooklyn transferred three first-round draft picks (2022, 2024, and 2026) and four first-round pick swaps (2021, 2023, 2025, and 2027) to Houston to gain the service of the star guard.

Though it may guarantee them the return of their own future picks, the Nets' rejection of the offers made by the Rockets isn't surprising, considering that a potential Bridges separation will ultimately trigger a rebuild within the franchise — a scenario that both team governor Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks dismissed in entering.

Mikal has cemented his case as the Nets’ main man this season and a building block of their desired future. He is averaging 21.9 points and 5.0 boards this season, and both his two-way play and team-friendly contract have been massively significant.

While they are struggling this season with a 19-28 card that puts them at the 11th spot of the East, Brooklyn will still fully be invested in Bridges as he fits perfectly into their impending plans.

The Nets fall back to earth in a blowout loss to the visiting Suns

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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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