The Nets resisted opportunities to trade Mikal Bridges at the deadline and they still view him as a cornerstone of the franchise, sources tell Tim Bontemps of ESPN. Bridges is seen as a potential All-Star with a team-friendly contract that will pay him $23.3M next season and $24.9MM in 2025/26.
Bridges is also considered a strong recruiter who can help bring more talent to Brooklyn, Bontemps adds. Besides Bridges, only Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith are signed beyond next season, giving the Nets potentially more than $70MM to chase a 2025 free agent class that could include Donovan Mitchell, Brandon Ingram, Rudy Gobert, Lauri Markkanen and Jimmy Butler.
The Nets have slumped badly after a 15-15 start and have the second-worst record in the league since December 27. Still, Bridges told Bontemps that he believes in the organization “100%” and has no desire to go anywhere else.
“Things ain’t going good right now, and that’s life,” he said. “… I know a lot of people might think about different situations and teams, and obviously I got my boys (from Villanova) over there in New York and stuff, so obviously everybody goes with that. But I was never the type of guy to (want to leave when) things get tough and it’s time to cry out and get out.”
There’s more from New York City:
- Brian Lewis of The New York Post traces Kevin Ollie‘s journey to his first NBA head coaching job. Ollie, who was named the Nets‘ interim coach when Jacque Vaughn was dismissed on Monday, had the makings of a coach back in college, according to former Connecticut mentor Jim Calhoun. “It’ll be no question that if you don’t put good effort in — I have no idea what his verbal responses will be — I do know that you’ll probably be sitting beside him,” Calhoun said. “There’s going to be purpose and work, because that’s how he played and that’s how he coached for us at UConn.”
- Josh Hart may complain about what he’s asked to do, but he has been one of the Knicks‘ most reliable players, observes Stefan Bondy of The New York Post. Hart has said publicly that he would prefer a larger role in the offense, but he keeps providing the intangibles the team needs, including a strong defensive presence and constant effort, while missing just one game all season. “I think he just talks the talk, if that makes sense,” Jalen Brunson said. “He’s like a — I’m going to be nice — he says whatever he wants to say, but when he goes out there, when it’s time to compete, it doesn’t matter who or what is in front of him.”
- Knicks forward Julius Randle is still determined to return from his dislocated right shoulder before the end of the season, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said Saturday on NBA Countdown (video link). However, Wojnarowski cautioned that Randle’s situation remains “fluid” as no decision has been made regarding surgery. Woj adds that OG Anunoby is “right on schedule” following a recent procedure on his right elbow and will be reevaluated at the end of next week.
With the new cba ( and mostly all current contenders ) draft pick strapped I wonder if non super max players like Lauri DM Ingram will Signal their dream teams to have cap opened up for them (2025) instead of the sign and force trade route that depletes new teams stars asset base to further improve
Dm and Brk a fine example, in a way it’s team building for a star at its highest possible level
Today
Something like that (pre-packaged deal years in advance) would be the only way star- level free agency might return from the dead.
One problem with it, though, is that the same teams that are draft pick strapped tend to be cap space strapped as well. The other problem would be the player would still have to leave some $$ on the table, and wouldn’t, at least formally, have the security of an early extension.
True on point 2 but Brk and lakers would/could be flush in 25
Ofc I’m holding onto my 1% dream on Tatum for 25 ( * tho he’d have to eat a lot more money than those guys as hes super max elig ) but at least he’s already batted googly eyes towards our direction
The players aren’t going to get to have their cake and eat it too as much moving forward … this could be a way in Silvers ever diluted quest to turn the NBA into the NFL
* Actually think players would potentially re-neg more than teams would
Alls fair in back alley dealings I suppose tho, your 3 rd point is valid tho and worth noting as a potential concern
Trae Young for Cam Johnson, Dennis Schroder, Cam Thomas, 2 first round picks and 2 pick swaps.
Mikal is the face of the franchise and this is his team, Trae runs the offence and Claxton runs the defence. Fingers crossed Ben Simmons could return to his old form but if not let him expire and replace him with DFS.
I like Cam Johnson, I like Dennis and I see potential in Cam Thomas but Brooklyn if they really want to win need a top tier offensive talent.
Atlanta replace Trae with Dejounte at point guard, Cam Thomas comes in at SG and gives you buckets. Cam Johnson slots is perfect with Jalen Johnson at the forward spots and then you’ve got Onkungsi down low. Don’t really have that top tier all star talent anymore but you’ve got some picks and a bunch of moveable role players. Dennis Bogdan Hunter and Capela. You’ve also got some good young talent that’s worth developing in Kobe Bufkin and AJ Griffin.
This is why average fans aren’t GM’s. Who exactly is Trae going to be “running on offense” for when you just shipped most of their talent out, plus picks? Gutting the roster and giving away picks that are desperately needed, for a PG who is being run out of Atlanta, will set the Nets back half a decade at least.
Trae Young Mikal Simmons DFS Claxton
Most likely the starters or drop out DFS/Ben for a 2 way wing.
Behind that Whitehead, Clowney, Sharpe are all secured for next season.
I’d really try get Gary Harris and Delon Wright in FA. Then fill out with some vet min options, Austin Rivers, Terrance Davis, Stanley Johnson and Montrez Harrell.
2024/25 Nets
Trae Young. Wright.
Gary Harris. Davis. Rivers
Mikal Bridges. Johnson. Whitehead
Ben Simmons. Finney-Smith. Clowney
Nic Claxton. Harrell. Sharpe
If Ben’s fit then Trae can still play some off ball stuff but otherwise he will be tasked with running the offence. He would average 30-10 like he does, Mikal gets 20+, Claxton would have a career year with an all star level point guard and receiving a lot of lobs. Montrez is there as to run up the score too and help serve as a vet.
Nets looked best this season when Simmons was fit, that’s scary fir Brooklyn.
Celtics spanked Knicks last night. Too many open looks. Boston showed how tough they can be. When their shots are falling.
Celts shot 57% and 43% from 3. Knicks healthy are a better matchup. To beat Celtics in playoffs. You will have to play D and rebound. Celtics are still getting better imo. They’re starting to separate themselves from the pack.