Kofi Inkoom
After finishing last season with a 41-41 record and missing the playoffs, the Houston Rockets are eager to add some impactful players to their roster, aiming for at least a second-round playoff appearance next year.
Jonathan Givony of ESPN reports that the Rockets are considering trading their third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Mikal Bridges. Rockets GM Rafael Stone has indicated a willingness to trade their number three pick for a player who can make an immediate impact, per ESPN’s Wojnarowski.
The Rockets have been pursuing Bridges for the past year. According to Marc Stein, the Brooklyn Nets had no interest in trading Bridges to the Rockets for a package centered around Jalen Green at this year’s trade deadline.
Despite making several aggressive offers, the Rockets could not convince the Nets to part with Bridges. This season, Bridges averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists, shooting 43.6% from the field, 37.2% from three-point range, and 81.4% from the free-throw line.
He is set to earn $23.3 million next season. Over his career with the Phoenix Suns and Nets, Bridges has averaged 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists. He was the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.