Kofi Inkoom
During this season, the Houston Rockets attempted to trade Jalen Green and multiple first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Mikal Bridges, but the deal fell through as the Nets held their ground, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Additionally, the Nets showed no interest in trading Bridges to the Rockets, even with the package centered around Green, Marc Stein noted. As a result, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report has proposed a new trade between the Rockets and the Nets: that the Houston Rockets should pursue Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets in the upcoming summer.
The trade: The Houston Rockets trade Dillon Brooks, Cam Whitmore, No. 1 pick, and two future firsts for Mikal Bridges.
Bridges maintained an average of 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for the Nets this season, shooting 43.6% from the field, 37.2% from beyond the arc, and 81.4% from the free-throw line. He is set to earn $23.3 million next season, with career averages of 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists with the Phoenix Suns and Nets.
“While the Rockets fell short of the Play-In Tournament, phase 2 of their rebuild was nevertheless successful,” Buckley wrote. “Their win total increased by 19 (from 22 to 41), the defense improved from atrocious (29th in 2022-23) to above-average (10th), and they witnessed significant progress from building-block prospects Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., and Jalen Green.” Zach wrote.
“Is that convincing enough for the front office to feel it’s time to start phase 3? Well, Houston already attempted to acquire Bridges, so clearly there is interest in expanding the talent base. And while those initial efforts proved futile, maybe the addition of the No. 1 pick to its offer could change that…..Remember, the Rockets are uniquely positioned to give the Nets control of their own picks, as they also own Brooklyn’s 2026 selection and have swap rights for 2027. That feels like a hefty haul for Bridges, a 27-year-old who may have peaked a tier or two shy of stardom.” Zach added.
Both Rockets and Nets missed the playoffs this year, so a trade like this could be significant for both franchises as they aim to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season.