Kofi Inkoom
Sometimes, revisiting an old relationship can be beneficial, as not all exes are bad. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has proposed that the Philadelphia 76ers consider reuniting with former player Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets through a trade this summer.
In his proposal, Swartz outlines a trade scenario where:
Sixers would receive Mikal Bridges and Dorian Finney-Smith, while the Nets would acquire several draft picks, including a first-round pick in 2024 and 2026, along with second-round picks in 2027 and 2028, and a 2030 first-round pick.
Bridges, originally drafted by the Sixers in 2018 before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, had an impressive season with the Nets, averaging 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Finney-Smith also contributed with 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
With Bridges projected to earn $23.3 million next season and Finney-Smith at $14.9 million, Swartz believes their addition would greatly benefit the Sixers, particularly alongside stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
“Getting Bridges to pair with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey should be at the top of Daryl Morey’s wish list,” Swartz wrote. “Bridges, 27, is the most durable player in basketball and averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists in his 82 games this season. His high-level defense and three-point shooting make him the ideal starting small forward between the Sixers’ stars…Landing Finney-Smith to be the team’s starting power forward would be icing on the cake. The 31-year-old is a versatile defender who can space the floor and doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact on games.”
Bridges, at 27 years old, has a career average of 14.3 points, while Finney-Smith, aged 31, averages 8.3 points. Both players bring versatility and defensive prowess to the table.
Despite the Sixers’ early exit from the 2024 playoffs and the Nets missing the postseason, acquiring Bridges and Finney-Smith could strengthen the Sixers’ roster and help propel them further in future playoff runs.
This move aligns with the pressure on the franchise to surround Embiid and Maxey with additional talent, potentially forming a formidable trio.