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NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Playoffs-Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns Apr 16, 2023 Phoenix, Arizona, USA Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker 1 warms up prior to game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the LA Clippers at Footprint Center. Phoenix Footprint Center Arizona USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJoexCamporealex 20230416_jca_aa9_004
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NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Playoffs-Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns Apr 16, 2023 Phoenix, Arizona, USA Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker 1 warms up prior to game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs against the LA Clippers at Footprint Center. Phoenix Footprint Center Arizona USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJoexCamporealex 20230416_jca_aa9_004
The NBA trade season often sees players as commodities. They are shuffled around like chess pieces in a grand strategy game. Mikal Bridges, a key component of the Phoenix Suns‘ recent success, has been traded to the Brooklyn Nets. The move surprised the NBA community. Bridges recently opened up in a podcast, not just for the unexpectedness of the trade, but also for its aftermath.
The 26-year-old small forward revealed that he had a feeling he would be leaving the Suns and joining another team. However, it was his lighthearted jab at fellow teammate Devin Booker’s future with the franchise that made him amusing to fans.?
Bridges knew he was gone
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In Podcast P with Paul George, Bridges opened up about the logistics of going through this trade. He revealed that he and teammate Cam Johnson had a hunch about their impending departure from Phoenix.
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 22, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges (1) shoots the ball as Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) defends during the first quarter of game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The seed of the suspicion was planted when Kevin Durant expressed his desire to move to Phoenix during the summer.?
Bridges humorously also noted that “It ain?t Booker leaving,” implying that the Suns’ star player, Devin Booker, was untouchable.
The unexpected reality and a dash of Karma
As the season progressed, the rumors died down, and Bridges thought he was safe. However, a sudden resurgence of trade talks, this time involving Kyrie Irving, brought back the Bridges? summer memories. It took a serious turn when the trade with Durant actually materialized. He admitted, “I didn’t think that was really gonna happen.”?
Mikal Bridges on his trade to Brooklyn:
“I knew I was gone, Cam Johnson knew we was gone. It ain’t Booker leaving.” 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/6oAfhGCQId
— LEEZUS (@AndrewLeezus) July 24, 2023
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The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on Bridges, who had jokingly claimed the Brooklyn gym as his home just days before the trade. His playful banter with the Nets’ staff turned out to be a prophetic joke, leading him to conclude,
“So like some karma on my a** for that one.”Watch This Story: Charlotte Hornets traded Kobe Bryant, Milwaukee Bucks shipped off Dirk Nowitzki, and other draft night trades that altered the NBA?s history forever?
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His candid remarks have added a humorous touch to the often cold, business-like process of NBA trades. As he settles into his new home in Brooklyn, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this trade shapes his career and the fortunes of his new team.
