The NBA’s Eastern Conference is on the rise. For a long time, it’s been viewed as an inferior conference. That’s becoming less true every year. There’s plenty of talent in the East in 2023-24.
The rise of the Orlando Magic has contributed to the Conference’s prestige. This young team is not rebuilding anymore. Suddenly, they’ve joined the ranks of the league’s title contenders.
That makes life more difficult for a team like the Brooklyn Nets. They’re on the outside of the playoff picture, and it’s hard to imagine how they will work their way up the standings. The Nets should be considered a candidate to make a major trade this year.
Could they send Mikal Bridges to the Magic?
NBA Trade Proposal: Orlando Magic Land Brooklyn Nets’ Mikal Bridges
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Mikal Bridges
The Nets should be seen as a candidate to make a major trade. That doesn’t mean that the trade will go in this direction. Most would expect them to be buyers – even though they’re out of the playoff picture. Why?
Well, the Nets traded control of their draft through to 2027 to the Houston Rockets. It feels like ancient history – the Nets acquired James Harden to finalize their superteam with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Now, they’re all gone – and the Nets are still paying the price.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic Updates
So, many folks would suggest that Brooklyn can’t rebuild. Any future-focused move that they make is likely to benefit the Rockets.
Could they trade Bridges anyway?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets have a solid collection of draft capital. If a star player hits the market, they should have a competitive offer. On the other hand, there are a few teams who can beat them to the punch.
If they made this deal, they’d have one of the best collections of draft capital in the NBA. Sure, it likely means sending a lottery pick to the Rockets.
As it stands, the Nets are already at risk of doing exactly that. By improving their ability to make a trade, they’re looking to take a one-year hit in a bid to improve on a longer-term basis.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic Updates
Moreover, Isaac is still intriguing. His injury history will likely keep his next contract affordable, and at times, he’s flashed star potential.
Should the Magic part with him?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
The Magic look like dark horse title contenders. That means that they’re a piece away from more serious title contention. What type of piece should they be looking for?
How about a 3-and-D wing who can create his shot? Bridges’ defense has slipped in Brooklyn. That’s because he’s overburdened as their first offensive option.
After joining Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in Orlando, Bridges should be able to split the difference between his former role with the Phoenix Suns and his current role in Brooklyn.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic Updates
That should be a perfect situation for him. The Magic can play Bridges at the 2 and have plus positional size all over the floor. Even in a crowded Eastern Conference, that could be enough to get them over the top.
