Nets Reportedly Have ‘Zero Interest’ In Trading Mikal Bridges

According to NBA insider Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Brooklyn Nets have “zero interest” in trading Mikal Bridges.

“But there’s one issue: The Nets have expressed zero interest in trading Bridges, according to league sources who have been in contact with them — and it’s not like they haven’t had opportunities,” Katz wrote. “Other teams have offered hoards of first-rounders; Brooklyn hasn’t engaged.

“According to league sources, Brooklyn’s front office has told teams it views Bridges as a costar to whichever big name it can trade for down the line. That’s the organization’s long-term plan — though all it takes for the blueprint to change is one hint from Bridges that he wouldn’t re-sign in a couple of seasons.”

Bridges averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.4 blocks this season while shooting 43.6% from the field, 37.2% from beyond the arc and 81.4% from the free-throw line. The forward will make $23.3 million next season. 

One of the top two-way players in the NBA, Bridges has career averages of 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.6 blocks with the Phoenix Suns and Nets. He was the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. 

Bridges was traded by the Suns to the Nets in the blockbuster Kevin Durant trade in February 2023. The swingman is averaging 21.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.4 blocks with Brooklyn. 

The Houston Rockets want to acquire Bridges. They have the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

However, Brooklyn has told Houston and other teams that Bridges is not available. 

“League sources say the Rockets have had conversation with the Grizzlies about trading down from this pick, and that the Rockets hold out hope that the Nets would be willing to move Mikal Bridges for it,” NBA insider Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer wrote. “But those same sources say the Nets, on the contrary, prefer to add pieces around Bridges.”