3 teams that could pursue trade for Nets star Mikal Bridges after season

1. Houston Rockets

If the Nets were in complete control of their upcoming first-round picks, this underwhelming campaign wouldn't be nearly as difficult to endure, as they'd be gearing up to have a possible high-end lottery selection this June as a result.

Unfortunately, this is not the case as the Rockets hold the rights to their first-rounders in three of the next four drafts.

Interestingly enough, however, leading up to this year's trade deadline rumors started to surface suggesting Houston could be willing to ship the picks back to Brooklyn in exchange for the services of Mikal Bridges.

Though Sean Marks ultimately rejected the offer, depending on how the rest of the campaign plays out, perhaps he may have a change of heart come the offseason.

With proven All-Star Fred VanVleet and budding rising star Alperen Sengun leading the charge, in just one season the Rockets have gone from league-wide bottom feeder to a possible Play-In Tournament threat.

That said, considering how things have gone as of late (2-6 over their last eight games), they still appear to be at least one solid piece away from thrusting into the Western Conference playoff picture.

Based on the rumor mill, perhaps they view Bridges as the guy who can inch them closer to such a status, and, should Brooklyn entertain the idea of parting with their cornerstone, what better way is there to do so than by taking back control of their own destiny in the process?