Mikal Bridges, an American professional basketball player, has had a successful career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) since being drafted in 2018. He was originally selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 10th overall pick in the draft, but on draft night, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns.
The trade of Mikal Bridges from the 76ers to the Suns was a surprising move and sparked questions about the reason behind it. In this article, we will take a closer look at the background of the 76ers, Mikal Bridges’ college career and draft prospects, the details of the trade, and the impact it had on both parties. Through this analysis, we aim to provide a clear understanding of why the 76ers made the decision to trade Mikal Bridges.
Source: bizjournals
Why Did the Sixers Trade Mikal Bridges?
The Philadelphia 76ers traded Mikal Bridges to the Phoenix Suns on draft night in 2018, a short time after they selected him with the No. 10 overall pick in the draft. The trade involved sending Bridges to Phoenix in exchange for Zhaire Smith and a 2021 unprotected first-round selection from Miami.
The reason behind the trade is not explicitly stated, but it could have been due to the 76ers wanting to acquire a different player to fit their team’s needs or they simply felt that Bridges would not fit into their long-term plans. It is also possible that they saw the opportunity to acquire additional assets in the form of Smith and the first-round pick and decided to take it.
Regardless of the reason, the trade proved to be beneficial for Bridges, who went on to have a successful career with the Suns and then the Brooklyn Nets. He established himself as a valuable player in the league and was even given a four-year, $90 million contract extension.
Background of the 76ers and Their Team Needs
Prior to the 2018 NBA draft, the Philadelphia 76ers were coming off a successful season in which they made a playoff run into Round 2. This was largely due to the strong performances of their young star duo of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Despite this success, the team was still looking to build a more complete roster and add to their young core.
Team’s Needs and Priorities Heading Into the Draft
Heading into the 2018 NBA draft, the 76ers had several needs and priorities that they were looking to address. Firstly, the team was in need of additional perimeter shooting to complement their strong interior presence.
Secondly, they were looking for wing players who could defend multiple positions and provide versatility on both ends of the court. With these needs in mind, the 76ers entered the draft with the intention of adding a player who could fit into their long-term plans and help take the team to the next level.
Given the 76ers’ needs and priorities, it is clear that they were looking for a specific type of player heading into the 2018 NBA draft. With the No. 10 overall pick, they had the opportunity to select a player who could meet these needs and become a valuable addition to their roster.
However, as the draft unfolded, the team made the decision to trade Mikal Bridges, who they had selected with the 10th overall pick, to the Phoenix Suns. This trade sparked questions about the reason behind it and the team’s needs heading into the draft.
Mikal Bridges’ College Career and Draft Prospects
Mikal Bridges was a standout player during his college career at Villanova University. He was a key contributor to the Villanova Wildcats’ national championship wins in 2016 and 2018 and was known for his strong defensive skills and three-point shooting ability. Throughout his college career, Bridges averaged 10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game, while shooting 43.5% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc.
Bridges’ Draft Prospects and Why He Was Selected by the 76ers With the 10th Overall Pick
Given his strong college performance and well-rounded skill set, Bridges was considered one of the top prospects heading into the 2018 NBA draft. He was viewed as a player who could bring value on both ends of the court and was seen as a good fit for teams looking for a 3-and-D wing. With the No. 10 overall pick, the Philadelphia 76ers saw an opportunity to add Bridges to their roster and address some of their needs on the perimeter.
Bridges’ strong defensive skills, versatility, and shooting ability made him a valuable prospect in the draft, and the 76ers saw him as a player who could contribute right away. Given these factors, it is no surprise that the 76ers selected Bridges with the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. However, as previously mentioned, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, and the 76ers’ plans for him became a topic of discussion and speculation.
The Trade
Details of the Trade, Including the Players and Assets Involved
The trade of Mikal Bridges from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns on draft night involved several players and assets. Bridges was traded to the Suns in exchange for Zhaire Smith, who was the 16th overall pick in the draft, and a 2021 unprotected first-round selection from Miami.
Possible Reasons Behind the Trade or Bridges Not Fitting Into Their Long-term Plans
There are several possible reasons behind the trade of Mikal Bridges from the 76ers to the Suns. One of the reasons could be that the 76ers were looking for a different player to fit their team’s needs and felt that Bridges would not be the best fit for their long-term plans. It is also possible that the 76ers saw an opportunity to acquire additional assets in the form of Smith and the first-round pick and decided to take it.
Another possible reason for the trade could be that the 76ers were looking for a player who could provide more immediate impact, and felt that Zhaire Smith was a better fit for their needs. It is also possible that the 76ers did not believe that Bridges would reach his full potential in their system and felt that he would be better suited for a different team.
Regardless of the reason, the trade of Mikal Bridges from the 76ers to the Suns was a surprising move that sparked questions and speculation about the team’s plans and priorities. However, as previously mentioned, Bridges went on to have a successful career with the Suns and then the Brooklyn Nets, establishing himself as a valuable player in the league.
Impact of the Trade on Mikal Bridges and the 76ers
Bridges’ Successful Career With the Suns and the Brooklyn Nets
Since being traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night, Mikal Bridges has established himself as a valuable player in the NBA. He played five seasons with the Suns, where he took his game to the next level and became a key contributor to the team. He was eventually traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2023, where he continues to play at a high level.
How the Trade Impacted the 76ers and Their Roster
The trade of Mikal Bridges from the 76ers to the Suns had a significant impact on both parties. For the 76ers, the trade allowed them to acquire Zhaire Smith, who was seen as a promising prospect, and a first-round pick from Miami. However, it is also possible that the trade impacted the team’s ability to add a player who could have filled a specific need on their roster.
Reflection on Whether the Trade Was Beneficial or Not for Both Parties
It is difficult to say whether the trade was beneficial or not for both parties, as it depends on one’s perspective and the goals of each team. For the 76ers, the trade allowed them to acquire additional assets, but it may have impacted their ability to add a player who could have filled a specific need on their roster.
For Bridges, the trade allowed him to establish himself as a valuable player in the NBA and led to a successful career with the Suns and then the Brooklyn Nets.
The trade of Mikal Bridges from the 76ers to the Suns had a significant impact on both parties, and it is difficult to say whether it was beneficial or not. However, it is clear that Bridges has had a successful career in the NBA, and the trade allowed him to establish himself as a valuable player in the league.
Mikal Bridges from the 76ers to the Suns
| Details | 76ers | Suns |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 2018 NBA draft night | 2018 NBA draft night |
| Players Involved | Mikal Bridges | Zhaire Smith, 2021 unprotected first-round pick from Miami |
| Reason for Trade | Unknown, but possibly to acquire additional assets or a different player who better fit the team’s needs | To acquire a promising prospect and potential key contributor in Mikal Bridges |
| Impact on 76ers | Acquired additional assets in Zhaire Smith and a first-round pick, but may have impacted their ability to fill a specific need on their roster | Acquired a promising prospect and potential key contributor in Mikal Bridges |
| Impact on Mikal Bridges | Allowed Bridges to establish himself as a valuable player in the NBA and led to a successful career with the Suns and then the Brooklyn Nets | N/A |
What Was Mikal Bridges’ College Career Like at Villanova?
Mikal Bridges was a standout player during his college career at Villanova University. He played three seasons with the Villanova Wildcats, where he was a key contributor to the team’s national championship wins in 2016 and 2018.
Bridges was known for his strong defensive skills and three-point shooting ability, and he averaged 10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game during his college career. He shot 43.5% from the field and 37.5% from beyond the arc, making him a well-rounded player who could bring value on both ends of the court.
What Were Mikal Bridges’ Draft Prospects Heading Into the 2018 Nba Draft?
Mikal Bridges was considered one of the top prospects heading into the 2018 NBA draft. He was viewed as a player who could bring value on both ends of the court and was seen as a good fit for teams looking for a 3-and-D wing. Bridges’ strong defensive skills, versatility, and shooting ability made him a valuable prospect in the draft, and he was expected to contribute right away for the team that selected him.
What Was the Trade of Mikal Bridges From the 76ers to the Suns on Draft Night Like?
The trade of Mikal Bridges from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns on draft night involved several players and assets. Bridges was traded to the Suns in exchange for Zhaire Smith, who was the 16th overall pick in the draft, and a 2021 unprotected first-round selection from Miami. The trade was a surprising move that sparked questions and speculation about the reason behind it and the 76ers’ plans and priorities.
How Has Mikal Bridges’ Career in the Nba Been Since Being Traded to the Suns?
Mikal Bridges has established himself as a valuable player in the NBA since being traded to the Suns on draft night. He played five seasons with the Suns, where he took his game to the next level and became a key contributor to the team.
He was eventually traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2023, where he continues to play at a high level. Bridges has been known for his strong defensive skills, versatility, and shooting ability, and he has established himself as one of the league’s top players.
Was the Trade of Mikal Bridges From the 76ers to the Suns Beneficial for Both Parties?
It is difficult to say whether the trade of Mikal Bridges from the 76ers to the Suns was beneficial for both parties, as it depends on one’s perspective and the goals of each team. For the 76ers, the trade allowed them to acquire additional assets, but it may have impacted their ability to add a player who could have filled a specific need on their roster.
On the other hand, the trade allowed Bridges to establish himself as a valuable player in the NBA and led to a successful career with the Suns and then the Brooklyn Nets. Ultimately, the trade of Mikal Bridges from the 76ers to the Suns was a significant event that had a lasting impact on both parties, and it will continue to be a topic of discussion and reflection for years to come.
Conclusion
The trade of Mikal Bridges from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Phoenix Suns on draft night was a surprising move that sparked questions about the reason behind it. Through our analysis of the 76ers’ team needs and priorities, Mikal Bridges’ college career and draft prospects, and the details of the trade,
we have gained a better understanding of why the 76ers made the decision to trade Bridges. Although the trade allowed the 76ers to acquire additional assets, it is possible that it impacted their ability to add a player who could have filled a specific need on their roster.
On the other hand, the trade allowed Bridges to establish himself as a valuable player in the NBA and led to a successful career with the Suns and then the Brooklyn Nets. Ultimately, the trade of Mikal Bridges from the 76ers to the Suns was a significant event that had a lasting impact on both parties, and it will continue to be a topic of discussion and reflection for years to come.
