Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal?

The Nets are in a tough spot. The Houston Rockets control their draft through to 2027. So, Brooklyn has no incentive to lose. Yet, they’re losing. The Nets’ recent skid has to have their front office asking themselves questions about this roster’s potential.

How will they improve? The Nets have a decent collection of draft capital. It doesn’t rank among the best teams in the NBA. If a star player becomes available, the Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans, Utah Jazz and maybe even the Rockets could beat them to the punch. So, the Nets need more assets if the goal is to trade for a star. Nobody is going to yield them more assets than Bridges. The Nets could use these picks to acquire a star. With that star in tow, they should be able to draw another star or two to play in New York.

Why The Memphis Grizzlies Do The Deal?

By contrast, the Grizzlies know this season doesn’t reflect their potential. This team needs Morant. He’s their primary playmaker – without him, their ceiling is low.

Next year, he should return at full strength. The Grizzlies will have title aspirations. With that said, they’ve never quite replaced Dillon Brooks. This team could use a defensive wing. When Bridges had a lower offensive usage on the Phoenix Suns, he was one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. He could return to that role on the Grizzlies. By adding him, they should become serious title contenders. The Grizzlies could shift the league’s landscape in their favor.