Making a Case: Mikal Bridges as a Cleveland Cavalier

The Cleveland Cavaliers are in need of something that can take them to the next level as a team. A new player, for instance, could inject new life into the lineup. 

One player on a directionless team, who happens to be appearing in trade rumors, could be just the piece to help this team. Here’s making a case for Mikal Bridges as a Cavalier. 

Bridges as a scorer 

Bridges is an extremely talented scorer who’s never shot below 43.0 percent from the field in his career.  Although he may not exactly be a number one option that can carry a contending team, he can certainly be an effective second or third option. 

This season (2023-24) Bridges averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists. This was also on an impressive 43.6 field goal percentage, and 37.2 three point percentage. 

Two seasons ago (2022-23) when he was traded to the Nets, he put up career numbers. Averaging 26.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists with a steal, Bridges played like a quality first option. Siri f this period he was shooting 47.5 percent from the field, and 37.6 percent from deep. 

What’s even more impressive about Bridges’ numbers, is their quality when expanded to per 100 possessions, rather than per game. In 2022-23, as a Net, Bridges averaged 37.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.8 per 100 possessions. In 2023-24, Bridges averaged 27.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. 

Bridges compared to Strus 

Although Strus quickly entrenched himself in Cleveland basketball, Bridges still seems to be a better option. He averaged career highs in points, rebounds and assists in his first season as a Cavalier, but Bridges was a better overall scorer. 

Bridges averaged more in points (19.6 compared to 12.2), with a higher field goal percentage (43.6 compared to 41.8) and three-point percentage (37.2 compared to 35.1). 

Bridges has put up better numbers across his career, too. With more points (14.3 compared to 10.6), rebounds (4.1 compared to 3.2) and assists (2.6 compared to 2.2), with a higher field goal percentage (48.0 compared to 42.4) and three-point percentage (37.5 compared to 36.5). 

And, while Strus did have a lower defensive rating this season, Bridges has been named to an All-Defensive first team, while Strus has not. Bridges would be able to fit seamlessly into Cleveland’s defensive schemes, especially considering he’s never averaged less than a steal per game in his career. 

Possible trades 

Bridges is an all-star caliber player, and thus demands a hefty return. It’s unlikely that Cleveland would be able to acquire him without giving up either Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen. 

Luckily, for both teams, viable trades can be worked out involving both players. These picks are also excluding draft picks, so any number of those could be added on either side. 

Garland would be able to be swapped for Bridges and Dennis Schroder. Cam Thomas could also be included in this deal if Cleveland could finagle him away, but Brooklyn will likely hold onto the young guard. 

Allen, on the other hand, could be exchanged straight up for Bridges. Garland or Allen would fit extremely well with Brooklyn’s team, and could actually offer a sense of direction for the franchise to build around. Bridges, in Cleveland, could also make an excellent Cavalier. 

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Featured photo courtesy of NBA.com

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