Mikal Bridges
The Phoenix Suns did everything they could to turn themselves into a contender in the Western Conference this past offseason, which makes it seem unrealistic that they would trade one of their key role players outside of their three-star talents, but Mikal Bridges would be a huge addition for the Warriors.
The 24-year old wing is having a career year with the Suns and would take a lot of the pressure off of guys like Andrew Wiggins and Kelly Oubre Jr. on the wing in San Francisco. Through 15 games, Mikal Bridges is averaging 15.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and is shooting 51% from the floor, 45.9% from three-point range.
Given that he is still on his rookie contract through next season, the Warriors would easily be able to acquire him, which cannot be said with other trade targets given the Warriors financial problems. They are already $63.6M over the salary cap this season and paying a lot of luxury taxes to keep this team together, so this trade could actually be beneficial to them because it gives them the ability to free up some cap space.
Not only is Mikal Bridges a very young and talented player, but he is a great role player that the Warriors could utilize for years to come, especially since Kelly Oubre Jr. is on an expiring contract and will likely not be able to re-sign with the Warriors at the end of the year.
This season, the Warriors’ bench has been one of the worst in the NBA in terms of scoring and offensive production, which is why adding Mikal Bridges could be a huge addition for them. Adding his offensive firepower to their bench and having him be their sixth-man this season could be the extra jolt they need to make the playoffs.
The only questions about a trade with the Suns for Mikal Bridges is what the Warriors would have to give up to get him. They would have to free up at least $4M in salaries and they do have two very valuable first-round picks over the next two years. One of these picks would likely have to go to the Suns in return for Bridges, but in the long-run, it may be worth it.
