Nets Shot Down Latest Mikal Bridges Trade Offer From Western Conference Team
By Cem Yolbulan
The Brooklyn Nets continue to be one of the most intriguing teams ahead of the February 8 NBA trade deadline. With a 19-27 record and a slew of high-level role players and trade assets, they have the option to be buyers or sellers. The latest reporting, however, indicates that they are not willing to go in full rebuilding mode just yet.
The most prized asset the Nets have on their hands is obviously Mikal Bridges. The 27-year-old is not only one of the best two-way wings in the league, but he is also on a very team-friendly contract until the end of the 2025-26 season.
The teams around the NBA are therefore interested in Bridges' services and willing to give up significant assets to acquire him. Brooklyn, however, is reportedly rejecting these trade offers so far.
NBA News: Brooklyn Nets Just Rejected Rockets' Offer for Mikal Bridges
The Rockets recently inquired about Mikal Bridges and were willing to trade back most of their first-round picks to the Nets, per @MikeAScotto (https://t.co/QtNbzK6SHn).
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 31, 2024
Brooklyn quickly declined saying Bridges wasn’t available. pic.twitter.com/2GZLmSjHv3
According to Mike Scotto of HoopsHype, the Houston Rockets made an offer for Bridges that included multiple first-round picks. This draft compensation included some of Brooklyn's draft picks that the Rockets currently own because of the James Harden trade in 2021.
This would have been a good way for the Nets to recoup their own draft picks and acquire additional assets to kickstart a rebuild.
Instead, the Nets "declined to entertain anything for Bridges."
This likely means that Bridges is staying in Brooklyn at least until the end of this season. If the Nets are going to make any moves at the deadline, Spencer Dinwiddie, Royce O'Neale, and Dorian Finney-Smith are likely going to be involved due to their age and contract status.
Whether the Nets will prioritize young prospects and draft compensation or players who can contribute to winning now in such trades remains to be seen. That will determine the path for the future of the franchise.
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