Top 5 Trade Destinations for Mikal Bridges this Summer
Ben DiGiacomo
Host · Writer
Indiana Pacers
After getting bounced by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals in an embarrassing fashion, the Indiana Pacers should view Bridges as an easy upgrade to try to elevate their chances of getting over the hump next season. Looking at their lineup, the most conceivable replacement would be Aaron Nesmith, and in reality, Mikal Bridges is just a better version of Nesmith. Desperation can do crazy things to a GM, so after getting so close to the mountaintop, it wouldn’t shock me if the Pacers put together an offer the Nets can’t refuse.
New York Knicks
If it becomes widely known that Mikal Bridges is potentially available, the New York Knicks would instantaneously become the favorites to land services. With the Villanova Knicks all enjoying the franchise's resurgence, they would want to add their old friend into the mix. On the court, it’s easy to see the fit in the lineup even if OG Anunoby returns, and the Knicks have the assets to make the Brooklyn Nets an offer they cannot refuse.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks may be on the verge of the NBA Finals, and whether or not they ultimately get the job done, who is to say they’ll stop trying to add to this club? They’ll be looking for a potential upgrade over Derrick Jones Jr. at the small forward spot, and while the Mavericks may not be rich in draft capital, they have enough young players to intrigue the Nets in a potential offer. It would be hard to make the Mavericks favorites to land Mikal Bridges, but the fit is too seamless to overlook.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers once upon a time drafted Mikal Bridges, the hometown kid whose mother worked for the 76ers’ organization. Then de-facto GM Brett Brown flipped Bridges on draft night for Zhaire Smith, a deal that still haunts the 76ers today. The 76ers still desperately need a third star, and a potential fit with Bridges in the lineup makes too much sense. Most importantly, he wouldn’t have the pressure to carry the load offensively, which plagued him last season in Brooklyn. The 76ers have more tradable assets than most realize, allowing them to swing a deal if the Nets refuse to trade Bridges to their cross-town rival.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are one of the few teams in the league where it’s widely known that they want to add a star-level talent to the fold, and the Rockets have more than enough picks and young players to attract the Nets. Specifically, the Nets could ask for Jalen Green, a piece the Rockets seem willing to part ways with and someone the Nets could view as a dynamic offensive weapon worth building around. If Mikal Bridges does become available, I’d be shocked if the Rockets don’t swoop in. A potential trade would make so much sense for both sides.
Indiana Pacers
After getting bounced by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals in an embarrassing fashion, the Indiana Pacers should view Bridges as an easy upgrade to try to elevate their chances of getting over the hump next season. Looking at their lineup, the most conceivable replacement would be Aaron Nesmith, and in reality, Mikal Bridges is just a better version of Nesmith. Desperation can do crazy things to a GM, so after getting so close to the mountaintop, it wouldn’t shock me if the Pacers put together an offer the Nets can’t refuse.
New York Knicks
If it becomes widely known that Mikal Bridges is potentially available, the New York Knicks would instantaneously become the favorites to land services. With the Villanova Knicks all enjoying the franchise's resurgence, they would want to add their old friend into the mix. On the court, it’s easy to see the fit in the lineup even if OG Anunoby returns, and the Knicks have the assets to make the Brooklyn Nets an offer they cannot refuse.
