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NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets have gone through quite the shift in their organizational direction after trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks recently in exchange for three players and a haul of first-round picks. Following Bridges’ trade to the Knicks, there were reports that Bridges had wanted to go to New York, something that the man behind the move addressed on the record.
“I think it’s been reported that Mikal wanted to leave or requested a trade. That could not be further from the truth,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said to the media on Monday following Brooklyn’s practice in preparation for the Las Vegas Summer League. After the trade was initially reported on June 25, Ian Begley of SNY reported that Bridges informed the Nets earlier that week that he wanted to be a member of the Knicks.
“I think that’s just not in Mikal’s character,” Marks explained. “It’s not who he is. And, that definitely did not happen. But, he was told by me when I called him up and let them know that we’re at the 2-yard line.” Bridges has not addressed the media since he was traded to New York so it’s possible that he can shed more light on what happened behind the scenes.
Either way, Bridges is with the Knicks now and that means that the Nets can begin their rebuild without having to worry about competing for the playoffs with a roster that needs more talent. Prior to the trade, it appeared as if Brooklyn was trying to acquire another star either through free-agency or through trade to pair with Bridges in the pursuit of getting back to the playoffs.
Now, Marks gets his second try at rebuilding the Nets and the hope this time is that the future version of Brooklyn is viable for more than just a couple of seasons. Marks’ willingness, or New York’s determination, to make the Bridges trade happen has set up the Nets to be able to build the future the way they want to.
Did Mikal Bridges request a trade from the Nets?
Sean Marks on Monday: “That definitely did not happen.” pic.twitter.com/Es5ucP7EAM
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 8, 2024