Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks has set the record straight Mikal Bridges did not request a trade. Speaking publicly for the first time since the high-profile trade between the Nets and the New York Knicks, Marks clarified that the deal unfolded rapidly, catching Bridges by surprise. “He didn’t know about it until I called him,” Marks revealed, noting that he and Knicks executive Leon Rose were already finalizing details.
Reports had suggested that Mikal Bridges was pushing for a move to the Knicks, eager to reunite with former college teammates Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart. However, Marks refuted these claims, emphasizing that it was not in Bridges’ character to demand a trade. “I think it’s been reported that Mikal wanted to leave or requested a trade. That could not be further from the truth,” Marks stated.
The decision to trade Bridges, according to Marks, was driven by the overwhelming offer from the Knicks, which included five first-round draft picks, four of which were unprotected, and a pick swap. “You have to look at yourself in the mirror and decide what’s best for the organization,” Marks explained. Despite Bridges being seen as a core part of the Nets’ future, the offer from the Knicks was too substantial to ignore.
The trade with the Knicks was strategically linked to another deal with the Houston Rockets, which gave the Nets control of their 2025 and 2026 first-round picks. Marks highlighted the importance of regaining these picks, allowing the Nets to control their future more effectively. “They’re absolutely connected,” Marks said, explaining that having control of their own draft picks was crucial for the team’s long-term strategy.
Though the decision to trade Bridges was difficult, Marks believes it sets the Nets on a clear path to sustainable success. “It was a difficult decision to trade someone who was a focal point of the organization,” Marks admitted. “But the offer from New York set us up with a very clear direction.”
Marks reassured that new coach Jordi Fernandez and center Nic Claxton were aware of the potential trade. Claxton, who re-signed with the Nets on a lucrative contract, is on board with the team’s rebuild. “We were upfront with Nic about the pathway of the team,” Marks said, indicating a shift from seeking immediate star additions to focusing on long-term success.
During the Nets’ practice session, 19-year-old player Noah Clowney shared his reaction to the trade, expressing initial shock but also seeing it as an opportunity. “To be traded for five first-round picks is superstar-level type things,” Clowney noted, appreciating Bridges’ positive attitude and viewing the trade as a chance to prove himself.
As rumors circulate about the future of other Nets players like Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith, Marks stressed patience and strategic planning. “We have to be patient, we’re not going to be in a hurry,” he stated, underscoring the importance of finding continuity and building the team through a combination of drafts, trades, and free agency as opportunities arise.
Ultimately, the decision to trade Bridges was about seizing a clear and advantageous opportunity. “An offer like this from a team, we’re not going to turn that down,” Marks concluded.
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