Take anything you hear about an NBA front office with a grain of salt. After all, front offices are notorious for putting out smokescreens. They don’t want rivals to know what their true intentions are.
Look at recent reporting around Mikal Bridges and the Brooklyn Nets. It’s being said that the Nets intend on building around Bridges. Sure. As we said – take these reports with a grain of salt.
Bridges is excellent. He’s not a franchise player. The Nets could see him as a foundational piece. On the other hand, with a contract extension around the corner, the Nets could look at moving him. Here are three teams we think could be suitors for Bridges.
Houston Rockets
This was an obvious starting point. The Houston Rockets have the Nets’ first-round picks, whether outright or via swap, until 2027. Wouldn’t the Nets like those picks back?
After all, that would allow them to properly rebuild. The Nets could tank for lottery odds. That’s something the Rockets did for three years. Now, they’re done tanking.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Houston Rockets Updates
So, they could be interested in Bridges. On the other hand, the Rockets may prefer not to bail the Nets out. They may prefer to see if Brooklyn can build a contender without control of their own draft. If they can’t, the Rockets will have a pipeline of good young talent. Is there another potential taker for Bridges?
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a way of finding themselves on these lists. Why wouldn’t they? The Thunder have the most draft capital in the NBA. If they want a player, they can get him.
There’s no reason they shouldn’t want Bridges. In theory, he’s the type of 3-and-D wing and secondary shot creator who can complement anyone. Sure, his defense has regressed in Brooklyn. If he had a lesser offensive role, it would likely return to its previous level.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder Updates
We’ll see how the Thunder’s season goes from here. If they make a deep enough playoff run, they may prefer to hang onto their current roster and assets. Who else could take an interest in Bridges?
New Orleans Pelicans
This could look several different ways. Recent rumors have suggested that the New Orleans Pelicans may look to move one of Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram this summer. Could Bridges be part of that deal?
Sure. Both Pelicans forwards are more dynamic offensive players than Bridges. Neither has his defensive potential. The Nets could prefer to land an offensive centerpiece, while the Pelicans may prefer a better-fitting player next to whichever forward remains.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Alternatively, the Pelicans have the draft capital to add Bridges and keep both Ingram and Williamson. Either way, this is an interesting landing spot for Bridges – unless the Nets really do want to keep him, that is.
