The NBA’s landscape is beginning to unfold. The trade deadline is quickly approaching. Teams know where they stand in the league’s hierarchy, and at the deadline, they’ll respond accordingly.
The Memphis Grizzlies aren’t especially high on that hierarchy. In many ways, that isn’t their fault. The Grizzlies have been bitten by the injury bug this season. If they’d had better luck in that area, they could look like title contenders.
The Brooklyn Nets can’t use that excuse. They’ve mostly had their roster at their disposal – the Nets are just mediocre. Without control of their draft for some time, fans are wondering if they’ll be buyers or sellers at this year’s deadline.
Could they send Mikal Bridges to the Grizzlies?
NBA Trade Proposal: Memphis Grizzlies Land Brooklyn Nets’ Mikal Bridges
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Luke Kennard, G/F Ziaire Williams, 2024 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2026 First-Round Pick (MEM), 2027 First-Round Pick (Swap – MEM)
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: G/F Mikal Bridges
Each of these fanbases is having difficult seasons. They each expected more. With that said, there are very different reasons why each of these teams is falling short of expectations.
The Grizzlies can’t catch a break. Ja Morant began the year serving a suspension. He made a brief comeback before suffering a season-ending injury. With Steven Adams missing the whole year, this season was doomed for the Grizzlies.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
What’s happening to the Nets? They have a solid amount of talent. Yet, the Nets have had a rough season – and recently, it’s gotten even rougher.
Is it time for them to entertain moving Bridges?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets are in a tough spot. The Houston Rockets control their draft through to 2027. So, Brooklyn has no incentive to lose. Yet, they’re losing. The Nets’ recent skid has to have their front office asking themselves questions about this roster’s potential.
How will they improve? The Nets have a decent collection of draft capital. It doesn’t rank among the best teams in the NBA. If a star player becomes available, the Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz and maybe even the Rockets could beat them to the punch.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
So, the Nets need more assets if the goal is to trade for a star. Nobody is going to yield them more assets than Bridges. The Nets could use these picks to acquire a star. With that star in tow, they should be able to draw another star or two to play in New York.
Should the Grizzlies send them those assets?
Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal
By contrast, the Grizzlies know this season doesn’t reflect their potential. This team needs Morant. He’s their primary playmaker – without him, their ceiling is low.
Next year, he should return at full strength. The Grizzlies will have title aspirations. With that said, they’ve never quite replaced Dillon Brooks. This team could use a defensive wing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
When Bridges had a lower offensive usage on the Phoenix Suns, he was one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. He could return to that role on the Grizzlies. By adding him, they should become serious title contenders. The Grizzlies could shift the league’s landscape in their favor.
