Nets Have Rejected Trade Offers Loaded With 1st-Round Picks For Mikal Bridges

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Brooklyn Nets have rejected trade offers loaded with first-round picks for small forward Mikal Bridges.

The Nets acquired Bridges from the Phoenix Suns last season in the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade. 

According to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Houston Rockets tried to trade for Bridges. The Rockets were prepared to part ways with shooting guard Jalen Green to get Bridges, who is averaging 21.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season.

The Nets fired Jacque Vaughn as head coach today. According to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Bridges wasn’t a fan of Vaughn’s offense.

Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks said it was an “incredibly difficult decision” to fire Vaughn, who has coached the Orlando Magic and Nets. 

“This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one we feel is in the best interest of the team going forward,” Marks said in a statement. “Jacque has represented this organization with exemplary character and class for the past eight years. The consistent positivity and passion he poured into our team daily will remain with the players and staff he interacted with throughout his tenure. We thank Jacque for all he has done for the Nets and the borough of Brooklyn, and wish him, Laura and their family nothing but the best in the future.” 

Bridges is averaging 23.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.5 blocks in a Nets uniform. He signed a four-year, $90 million extension with the Suns in October 2021. 

The Nets are 21-33 this season. They are in 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings. 

Bridges has career averages of 14.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists with the Suns and Nets. He’s one of the top two-way players in the NBA.