Mikal Bridges opens up on the blockbuster Phoenix Suns-Brooklyn Nets trade: "I’d rather say I’d really be happy I got traded for KD"
Mikal Bridges made his debut for the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. While the Nets ended up losing the game, the 6-foot-6 forward had a brilliant performance as he led his team in scoring.
Bridges was involved in a blockbuster trade between the Nets and the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 8. The trade sent Kevin Durant to the Suns, while Bridges was moved to the Eastern Conference team.
“I mean, it’s KD,” Mikal said after his Nets debut. “I get it. I a hundred percent get it and that’s just how it is. I’d rather say I’d really be happy I got traded for KD than probably somebody else who I didn’t think would be good."
While Mikal Bridges is nowhere near as good as Durant, he is still a valuable player who could have a great tenure with the Nets. Being traded for one of the greatest scorers of all time is praise, and that's exactly how Bridges sees it.
Mikal Bridges understands why he was traded for Kevin Durant, but he misses Phoenix
Bridges is a great two-way player who is under contract for three more seasons. Considering that he is only 26, he could become a star for the Brooklyn Nets, who have completely rebuilt their roster over the past few days.
The former Suns forward has no hard feelings and understands why Phoenix traded him for Kevin Durant. However, he also admits that he misses his friends and home.
"Obviously, I’ll miss everybody there, miss my home, miss all my friends that’s back there," Mikal Bridges said. "But I get it, you’re getting Kevin Durant, bro. Maybe I’ll probably make that trade too.”
You may be interested in reading: When is Kevin Durant coming back from injury and when can he play his first game for Phoenix Suns? Latest update on the 13x All-Star's injury
The Suns were interested in trading for Durant during the summer of 2022 when the star forward requested a trade. Even then, Bridges was aware that he may be traded. However, he seems to be happy in Brooklyn and could have a bright future there.
Bridges had a great debut for the Nets
Mikal Bridges was a starter in his debut for the Brooklyn Nets. He spent 34 minutes on the floor, scoring 23 points on 8-for-18 shooting. The forward was also 3-for-5 from long range.
The fivw-year NBA veteran was also very active on the defensive end of the floor, finishing the night with two steals.
You may be interested in reading: Phoenix Suns depth chart: What could be the team's starting 5 after the Kevin Durant trade?
In the end, the Nets lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 101-98. Bridges and his squad have two more games until the All-Star break and are currently in fifth spot in the East with a 33-23 record.