The 2023-24 NBA season is rapidly reaching its end and with the NBA Draft approaching closer each day, the Houston Rockets have made it evident that they’re more than willing to part ways with their 3rd overall pick for a return they view as much more valuable.
During the previous season of play, the Houston Rockets seemed to be heavily pursuing Mikal Bridges. They would even go as far as to offer former 2nd overall pick, Jalen Green along with a variety of draft picks. With the conclusion of the draft lottery and the selection the Rockets received, it would seem the potential acquisition is back and more alive than ever.
It’s no secret that the talent pool in this year’s draft certainly lacks upside and with a young and up-and-coming team, it wouldn’t exactly make sense for the Rockets to attempt to develop yet another potential star as they’re already holding such talents. Obtaining more would only seem to suffocate any rise in talent.
The Best Case Scenario for the Houston Rockets
Mikal Bridges is most definitely on the market. The Brooklyn Nets are looking to rebuild, not retool. Nets owner, Joe Tsai made this evident in his recent statements:
“The Brooklyn Nets is at a crossroads in a way,” Tsai said. “We didn’t do as well as expected last season, we didn’t make the playoffs. But we hope to revamp the team and make sure we can compete in the long run.”
To a team like the Rockets, this is a goldmine. After all, they fell short of having a drastic reanimation. Many destined this team to fail at finding their identity and with all hope decimated, they were able to finish with a record sitting right at the .500 mark.
The Houston Rockets hold many valuable pieces; however, it’s clear they’ve had a shift in what they’re willing to part with. Teeming with young talent that could thrive in a destination that offers much less competition to stardom is a key component that is also in the Rocket’s favor. Names like Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith, Cam Whitmore, and Amen Thompson all fit that role, and while Şengün has been on the scene for a much more extensive period, the aforementioned, Jabari Smith is also waiting on the sideline for his moment to come along.
For the Rockets, this is a case where you have too much aptitude, but not enough talent to push you over the edge of mediocrity.
In a potential push for Mikal Bridges, you solve many problems. You acquire a playmaker to go alongside a developing cast and discard the thought of adding yet another young player to your cast. While they’re at it, it’s better to part ways with one of your rising stars as it’s positive this will be something the Brooklyn Nets intend on asking for.
Trading the 3rd overall pick is more than wise in this case, but a player of Bridges’s capability can not be underestimated, and it’s clear the Brooklyn Nets are not doing that.
What the Brooklyn Nets Need in Return for Mikal Bridges
We previously mentioned the urgency the Nets are facing to completely turn over their franchise. They’re not hiding it and if anything, they’re advertising it.
It seems as if the Brooklyn Nets have been attempting a retool for more than a decade. As if they’re locked in a curse where they can not accept defeat. They hold no value on a draft pick that’s coming up, their star players are looking for a way out, and the team has no view on success for the future. The correct move was to signal for a rebuild and attempt to build toward a future that includes prosperity and to advance past the title of adequacy.
A heavy off-season is in order for the Brooklyn Nets. This involves trading your star Mikal Bridges, making an attempt to find a new home for Ben Simmons who appeared in only 15 games for the Nets this year and is set to be making north of 40 million dollars this upcoming season, making sure Nic Claxton re-signs as he was one of the very few bright spots for the team this past year, and considering trading Cameron Johnson.
One player best left in their current role is Cam Thomas. He has thrived ever since he’s been given the spotlight. Although a sense of urgency is needed on the defensive side, the offensive skillset this young man has to offer has been put on display numerous times
All the pieces align for the Nets to obtain the 3rd overall pick from the Houston Rockets as well as one of their up-and-coming stars. This cleans house and allows your young players to thrive in the following year.
A restart is needed for the Brooklyn Nets. They have endeavored in a sudden rise to stardom for many years now, but it’s time to pull the plug and start from the ground up.
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