Rockets Land Mikal Bridges
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., G/F Jae’Sean Tate, C Alperen Sengun, 2023 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU), 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Mikal Bridges, C Nic Claxton
Of course, the Rockets won’t trade their pick if it lands first overall. Nobody is trading the rights to Victor Wembanyama.
On the other hand, if they land the second pick, they may avoid Harden altogether. Scoot Henderson could be their next franchise player. So, this deal assumes that their pick lands somewhere from third down.
In that event, this should entice them. Claxton is similarly a perfect pick-and-roll partner for Harden and a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Meanwhile, Bridges is an elite 3-and-D wing who’s flashing strong secondary shot-creating abilities this season.
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The Nets should part with them for this return. With some of their own draft capital back, they can afford to rebuild. Meanwhile, they’re landing a lot of young talent here to rebuild with.
Still, if the Rockets really want to end their rebuild prematurely, this next deal may appeal to them.