The Mikal Bridges Trade: A Revisiting of the Philadelphia 76ers - Phoenix Suns Deal from the 2018 NBA Draft
A Dream-Turned-Trade
Mikal Bridges, the Villanova star, had the night of his life when he was picked by his hometown team, the Philadelphia 76ers, with the 10th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, just 38 minutes later, the 76ers unexpectedly traded Bridges to the Phoenix Suns for Zhaire Smith, the 16th overall selection.
The Trade Details
According to numerous league sources, the 76ers had no intention of trading Bridges when they picked him. They had considered him a key part of their long-term plans. However, things changed quickly when the Suns expressed their interest in acquiring Bridges. The Suns were impressed with Bridges' defensive prowess and his potential as a three-and-D player. They believed he could be a valuable addition to their young and up-and-coming team. The 76ers, on the other hand, were eager to add Smith to their roster. Smith was a highly touted prospect coming out of Texas Tech, and the 76ers saw him as a potential star in the making.
The Aftermath
The trade was met with mixed reactions at the time. Some believed the 76ers had made a mistake in trading Bridges, while others thought they had made a shrewd move. In retrospect, it is clear that the trade was a win-win for both teams. Bridges has developed into a key player for the Suns, while Smith has shown promise for the 76ers.
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