The Phoenix Suns shocked the NBA world earlier this week, trading for superstar forward Kevin Durant. The Nets got a big haul in return, including veteran forward Mikal Bridges.
Bridges along with Cam Johnson were introduced by the Brooklyn Nets organization in a press conference on Saturday. When asked about being traded for Durant, he hilariously praised Durant by saying he understood the Suns’ decision to trade him.
“It’s KD,” Bridges said before his debut on Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers. “I get it. I 100 percent get it. That’s just how it is. I would rather say I’d rather be happy that I got traded for KD than probably like somebody else who I didn’t think would be good or something like that. So just being a realist at the end of the day.
“Obviously, I’m going to miss everyone there, miss my home, miss all my friends that’s back there, but I get it. You’re getting Kevin Durant bro. I would have probably made that trade too,” Bridges added while laughing.
"I get it. You're getting Kevin Durant. I'd probably make that trade, too."
Mikal Bridges on the Suns trading him to the Netspic.twitter.com/E3I3jv65CB
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 11, 2023
Many fans took notice of this interview and were happy that Bridges had a sense of humor about being traded.
This is the best mindset anyone could have about the trade, good for him https://t.co/vmOHgE1Jk0
— The House that Kami Built (@KamitronPTW) February 12, 2023
How does anyone not like Mikal?? https://t.co/hy3gbsH5mB
— Chris Tschirhart (@ChrisTshirt00) February 11, 2023
https://twitter.com/alwg88/status/1624584385373564935
Can’t say it enough. They’re both so dam likeable — and honestly, I still don’t think they’ve scratched the surface on how much better they can be. https://t.co/fnDeZ5ZMcb
— Coach Tito 🙏🏾🇵🇭🤙🏽 (@DCUBALLERS) February 12, 2023
While Bridges and the 76ers didn’t get the win in his debut, he was able to make a real impact for Brooklyn. He finished Saturday’s game with 23 points along with six rebounds on the game.
Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges in their Nets debut:
Bridges: 23 PTS, 6 REB, 3 3PM
Johnson: 12 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST, 3 STL pic.twitter.com/UW0MtJT5OT— NBA (@NBA) February 12, 2023
As the Nets attempt their rebuild in the post-Kevin Durant era, Mikal Bridges has a real chance to be a key piece of their future if he continues this impressive play moving forward.
[Clutch Points on Twitter, NBA on Twitter]