Some NBA teams have complete-looking rosters. These teams are ready to go. They’re hoping to succeed, but even if they fail, they aren’t likely to make major roster moves this season. They’re probably low on assets after assembling such a complete roster.
Other teams around the league may need some work. They may have the top-end star talent to compete, but the rest of the roster needs work.
The Dallas Mavericks are one of those teams. They’ve got a superstar duo in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but they lack depth. The Mavericks need to flesh out the group around their superstar duo.
Where do the Brooklyn Nets lie? That’s a little less clear. The Nets appear to be more than a piece away from title contention, but they have the pieces to compete.
The Nets could make a win-now move this year or take a step back. Could they choose the latter route by sending Mikal Bridges to the Mavericks?
NBA Trade Proposal — Dallas Mavericks Land Mikal Bridges
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr. G/F Josh Green, G Jaden Hardy, 2026 First-Round Pick (DAL), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – DAL), 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G/F Mikal Bridges
The Mavericks may have an incomplete roster. With that said, they do have the most important piece that a team could ask for. The Mavericks have their franchise player. In the end, they will live and die by Luka Doncic.
Do the Nets have their franchise player? We’re not sure. Bridges made major strides as a shot-creator last season. Did he do enough to establish himself as a leading man? Does a Bridges-led offense have a chance of advancing to the NBA Finals?
That feels unlikely. We don’t mean to knock Bridges – he’s excellent. Still, the leading man on a championship contender is a high bar.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets Updates
In all likelihood, Bridges’ optimal role has him splitting the difference between his play on the Nets and his time as a role player on the Phoenix Suns.
Could the Mavericks give him that role?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Absolutely. The Mavericks would be a perfect fit for Bridges. He’d be able to function as an elite 3-and-D wing who can double as a shot-creator when necessary. Alongside Doncic and Irving, Bridges would be an offensive safety valve.
That’s why we’ve got Dallas breaking the bank for him. This is no small cost. It would also leave the Mavericks with almost no assets moving forward. They were already low on draft capital. Here, we’ve got them moving their two most valuable young players, a first-round pick and two swaps.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets Updates
It’s worth it. The Mavericks would have their core following this deal. With Doncic, Irving, and Bridges on the roster, they’ll be serious title contenders. The Mavericks can’t put a price on that. Should the Nets help them land in that position?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets could get more unprotected first-rounders for Bridges elsewhere. There’s a chance that they won’t like this deal. On the other hand, it could appeal to them. For what it’s worth, the Nets already have the Mavericks’ 2029 pick in their arsenal.
If anyone should understand the value of controlling another team’s draft, it’s the Nets. After all, the Houston Rockets own theirs through to 2027. This puts the Nets in a bind – they don’t have any incentive to tank, but they don’t have the pieces to contend either.
Following this deal, the Nets could put the Mavericks in a similar position. If Dallas collapsed and Doncic demanded a trade, this could be a gold mine for the Nets.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Dallas Mavericks, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Otherwise, it’s still solid value. They’re landing one unprotected first, two swaps, and two interesting young players. In time, the Nets would likely package these assets with the rest of their collection to trade for a superstar. After that, they’ll try to complete their roster.
