There’s no denying Mikal Bridges’ time with the Brooklyn Nets hasn’t lived up to expectations. The Atlanta Hawks can swoop in and trade for him in the offseason in a dream scenario that’s bound to benefit both parties.
After a standout stint playing for Villanova, Bridges was selected with the 10th pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2018 NBA Draft and traded to the Phoenix Suns shortly after. Even though it was only his first year in the league, the 6’6″ wing proved to be capable on the defensive end of the court.
By 2023, Bridges was part of a four-team blockbuster deal that sent All-Star forward Kevin Durant to Phoenix and Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and other assets to the Brooklyn Nets. Over the course of 27 games he played for his new team, the promising forward averaged 26.1 points on 37 percent shooting from deep, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
Although Bridges showed promise last year, the same can’t be said for this season. In 82 games, his scoring went down to 19.6 points, while his rebounds and assists mostly remained the same. As a result, his trade capital plummeted, which doesn’t bode well for Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Nets’ Mikal Bridges Named As Atlanta Hawks’ Dream Trade Target
At this point in time, the Atlanta Hawks may have to choose between Trae Young or Dejounte Murray. Whoever they choose, though, the return should fit well with whoever will remained. In this regard, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz recommended Bridges as the ideal player for the Hawks to target in the offseason.
Moving either Young or Murray in a deal for Mikal Bridges would solve a lot of this team’s issues. Bridges, 27, is a premier wing defender who could help fix a Hawks defense that finished 27th overall this past season. He’d be the ideal piece to place next to Young as someone who can lock up opposing wings and play a secondary scoring role.
Bridges’ contract (two years, $48.2 million) is one of the best in the NBA. If the Hawks choose to move Young and keep Murray as their franchise point guard, Atlanta would only be paying Bridges and Murray a total of $48.8 million next season, or less than Bradley Beal will make from the Phoenix Suns by himself,” Swartz wrote.
With either Young or Murray gone, the focus on who will handle the ball more will become clearer. In turn, the role of everyone else will be solidified, potentially leading to a better performance next season with Bridges as the primary defender and secondary option on offense.
It remains to be seen where Bridges will land in the offseason. What’s certain, though, is that Atlanta will benefit a lot if they go for the former Phoenix Suns star.
Leave a Reply