Mikal Bridges has long been linked to the Houston Rockets, but the San Antonio Spurs could swipe him up.

In the 2024 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs have two picks, selecting fourth and eighth overall. The Houston Rockets were among the winners of the NBA Draft Lottery, landing the third overall pick via the Brooklyn Nets, who flipped their selection in exchange for James Harden.

The Nets and Rockets have been tied this season and were rumored to have discussed a trade that would send Mikal Bridges to Houston for Jalen Green. Recent reports suggest that the Rockets would be open to trading the third overall pick for Bridges, who would add to their defense and increase their outside shooting.

If the Nets are interested in getting draft capital for Bridges, the Spurs could offer the eighth pick (or a first-round selection in a future draft) and Keldon Johnson.

Johnson has been the odd man out in San Antonio, and Bridges would slot in well into the Spurs’ starting rotation. He is a strong defender who can play off-ball and shot 37.2 percent from three on the way to averaging 19.6 points.

A starting lineup of a soon-to-be-drafted point guard, Devin Vassell, Bridges, Jeremy Sochan, and Victor Wembanyama would give teams a fit on both sides of the ball. Depending on who the Spurs add in the draft, the Spurs won’t have a weak defender and will be able to score at an elite level on all three levels.

That said, the third pick is a high price to match. The Rockets have plenty of leverage in a trade, so the Spurs would have to get involved in a bidding war.