When the Brooklyn Nets acquired Mikal Bridges in the Kevin Durant trade, it seemed like they had found a game-changer. Bridges showcased his potential as a lead scorer and primary creator, averaging 26.1 points per game on a 60.7 true shooting percentage.
However, in his first full season with the Nets, his scoring and efficiency declined, raising questions about his role as a foundational piece for the team. Despite this, Bridges remains a highly effective player on a great contract, making him a valuable trade asset. Here are three trade options that could give Mikal Bridges a new home and benefit all parties involved.
Mikal Bridges to the Cleveland Cavaliers
One of the challenges the Nets face is that Bridges, at 28 by the start of next season, is significantly older than the rest of their young core. With players like Cam Thomas (23), Nic Claxton (25), Noah Clowney (20), and Day’ron Sharpe (22), the timelines don’t align for a synchronized peak. Trading Bridges for a player like Darius Garland could solve this issue.
The Darius Garland Trade Scenario
Swapping Bridges for Garland, who is 24 and has a higher hypothetical ceiling, makes sense for both teams. Garland could become the offensive engine for the Nets, aligning better with their young roster’s timeline. The Nets would gain another potential star to build around, while Garland’s development could progress at a more reasonable pace.
Garland doesn’t have the same two-way upside but his hypothetical ceiling could be higher than Bridges.
Ideal Fit for Mikal Bridges
For Bridges, the Cavaliers could offer an ideal fit. The Cavs roster is in flux with Garland and Jarrett Allen potentially on the trading block. Playing alongside Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell would provide Bridges with substantial offensive responsibility without the burden of being the primary creator. The combination of Mitchell, Bridges, Mobley, and the existing depth could form one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference.
Mikal Bridges to the Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a promising young roster and ample draft assets. A trade package from the Thunder could provide the Nets with talented young players and significant draft picks, although the assets might not be the most inspiring.
Potential Trade Package
The Thunder could offer Josh Giddey and Ousmane Dieng, along with the No. 12 pick in this year’s draft and Utah’s 2025 pick (protected 1-10). While Giddey has potential, his performance in postseason matchups has diminished his appeal. Dieng is a raw talent with significant upside, and the draft picks would add valuable assets to the Nets’ future.
Giddey still has plenty of upside but the way he was played off the floor in some postseason matchups makes him a lot less appealing as an asset than he was a year ago.
Mikal Bridges’ Role in Oklahoma City Thunder
In Oklahoma City, Bridges would play a significant two-way role, sharing offensive responsibilities with elite primary creators and playing alongside fantastic defensive teammates. This scenario offers Bridges a chance to compete for a title over the next few years, making it a desirable trade destination from his perspective.
Mikal Bridges to the Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors need a major move this offseason to remain contenders. Losing Klay Thompson and relying on the development of young players like Brandin Podziemski, Jonathan Kuminga, and Trayce Jackson-Davis might not be enough. Bridges could be the key piece they need.
Trade Proposal
Bridges, under contract for two more years at a reasonable figure, would be a significant upgrade over Andrew Wiggins. He’s a better defender, outside shooter, and complementary playmaker at a lower cost. To acquire him, the Warriors might need to offer Moses Moody and a pair of first-round picks. Removing protections from those picks could be the deciding factor in the deal.
Their willingness to remove protections from those picks could be what makes or breaks a deal.
Benefits for Mikal Bridges and the Brooklyn Nets
For Bridges, joining the Warriors would mean playing with elite teammates in a system tailored to his skill set, offering a chance for deep playoff runs. For the Nets, the value of Wiggins is minimal, but the potential to flip him for other assets, combined with the acquisition of Moody and two valuable picks, makes it a worthwhile gamble.
Conclusion
Trading Mikal Bridges could provide the Brooklyn Nets with the opportunity to reset and refocus their future. Whether it’s acquiring a younger star like Darius Garland, gaining valuable assets from the Thunder, or taking a gamble with the Warriors, each trade option presents unique benefits. As the NBA offseason progresses, the fate of Mikal Bridges will be a storyline to watch, with potential to reshape the landscape of several teams.
The NBA offseason drama is just beginning, and the decisions made now could have lasting impacts on the league for years to come.
