5 Years After Replacing “Pissed Off” Mikal Bridges, Ex-76er Attempts to Revive His Career With Rival Franchise

The NBA is not always a place where dreams come true. Mikal Bridges faced this situation when his dream was snatched away from him just moments after being fulfilled. Now, the player that Bridges’ dream was bestowed upon is all set to revive his career in the NBA.

Mikal Bridges has made a reputable name for himself in the league in just 5 years. Since joining the Phoenix Suns in 2018, the Villanova Wildcats alum has displayed phenomenal two-way prowess and versatility. However, had it not been for a shocking trade, Bridges may have never suited up for the Suns. The 6’6 swingman was initially drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, his dream team before being traded for a young promising guard. Now, this ex-76er is all set to take the NBA court but in rival colors.

Mikal Bridges replacement returns to revive his career

Mikal Bridges had his dream come true when his hometown team, Philadelphia 76ers drafted him 10th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, just when the Wildcats alum seemed to rejoice his fulfilled dream, the Sixers made a shocking move. The franchise landed Zhaire Smith, the 16th pick in the draft by sending Bridges to the Suns.

Replacing Mikal Bridges surely did not prove to be an easy task for young Smith with the Sixers. Since joining the franchise, Smith suffered multiple injuries, cutting his stint short to just two years. However, three seasons after his exit from the Sixers, the 24-year-old has landed a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Zhaire Smith has signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Cavaliers. This is a one-year contract worth the minimum league salary that guarantees a training camp invite. If Smith impresses the Donovan Mitchell-led side, he may land a spot on their roster with a two-way contract. A heroic comeback story, given his past with injuries.

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In his 2 years in the league, Smith only played 13 games, averaging a mere 3.7 PPG. On the other hand, Mikal Bridges elevated his game every season, ironically holding the active record for the most consecutive games played. “The Warden” has not missed a single game in his NBA career so far, making the Sixers regret their move to this day. But why did Bridges want to be a Sixer in the first place?

The Warden had personal ties to the Sixers franchise

Mikal Bridges seemed over the moon when the Sixers drafted him 10th overall in 2018. However, the current Brooklyn Nets swingman could never really take the court in a Sixers uniform. However, the 26-year-old had close ties with the organisation which further fuelled his frustration when the team traded him away.

On New Orleans Pelicans guard, CJ McCollum‘s podcast, Bridges revealed his reaction to the trade on draft night. “I walk out of there and they told me the news and I was pissed off,” said Bridges. “I was pissed off that whole night. I didn’t go out, I stayed in my hotel room. I was that mad.”

His mother, Tyneeha Rivers worked for the Sixers at the time of Bridges’ draft. This connection with the franchise prompted his strong desire to join the team. But soon after the franchise decided to trade the Wildcats alum, his mother quit her job as VP of Community Relations for the Sixers too.

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Although Bridges did not get an opportunity to rep his hometown team, the Nets swingman has established his name in the league. He has already elevated his game since arriving in Brooklyn, promising to become an All-Star level talent.