Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal?

The obvious answer is for the Nets to trade for a star. As it stands, that may be difficult. If a star hits the open market, several teams could outbid them – including the Thunder and the Rockets.

Here, they’re shifting that balance of power. The Nets are weakening the Thunder’s control of that market, and strengthening their own. Suddenly, they’ll have the assets to acquire a top star when one becomes available. This will hurt in the meantime. Without Bridges, the Nets will be among the worst teams in the NBA. Still, if they can acquire that star quickly, it will be worth it in the long run.

Why The Oklahoma City Thunder Do The Deal?

It makes sense that the Thunder haven’t consolidated their assets yet. They’ve developed stars on their own. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams look like a trio that could carry this team to a title in due time.

With that said, the Thunder could use a 3-and-D wing. If that player could create his own shots, that would be ideal. In other words, they could use a player just like Bridges. Sure, his defense has regressed recently. Bridges has been overburdened as the Nets’ first option. On the Thunder, he’d find his optimal place in the offensive pecking order. That ought to put the Thunder in an even better position.