With the Nets at practice Friday morning, they — like almost everybody else in the area — felt the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that hit at 10:23 a.m.
The quake, centered in Readington Township (N.J.), was reportedly one of the biggest on the East Coast in the last century and reached HSS Training Center.
“I felt that for sure. I think everybody did,” Mikal Bridges said. “I was by our locker room.”
Interim coach Kevin Ollie, who was raised in South Central Los Angeles and went to Crenshaw High School, may have felt it, but was unfazed.
Mikal Bridges said he and the Nets felt the earthquake. AP “I’m used to it,” Ollie smiled. “I’m from LA.”
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While the earthquake rattled the area on Friday, a report coming about Donovan Mitchell out of Cleveland may have stirred up the NBA rumor mill — and the aftershocks could shake up the Nets’ offseason plans.
Bleacher Report stated that Mitchell — a New York native who has been linked with both the Nets and rival Knicks — is “all but certain” to decline his $37.1 million player option for 2025-26 to explore free agency.
The report added that the buzz in league circles suggest that if Cleveland doesn’t reach at least the NBA Finals, that “Mitchell will decline an extension and look elsewhere, and the Cavaliers are more likely than not to move him well before he can leave outright as a free agent.”
Brooklyn has genuine interest in Mitchell.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dribbles against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports The star guard is close with Bridges and represented by CAA — which also reps Nets GM Sean Marks.
Mitchell, whose father is a longtime Mets executive, is a 27-year-old Westchester native who perfectly fits the Nets’ timeline and is an ideal target for which to open the vault.
Despite Cavs owner Dan Gilbert proclaiming last week that he believes Mitchell will sign an extension, the All-Star himself threw cold water on that and was non-commital just a few days ago.
Bleacher Report also cited the Knicks, Heat and Lakers are potential suitors.
Cam Johnson (left big toe sprain) and Dennis Smith Jr. (right hip synovitis) are both doubtful for the Nets Saturday against visiting Detroit.
Nic Claxton is available despite his nasal fracture.
Keita Bates-Diop (right tibia stress fracture), Ben Simmons (left lower back nerve impingement), Dariq Whitehead (left shin stress reaction) and two-ways Jacob Gilyard, Keon Johnson and Jaylen Martin are all out.
The Long Island Nets upset the Osceola Magic 120-112 in the Eastern Conference semis of the G League Playoffs Friday night.
Two-way guard Jacob Gilyard had 28 points, nine assists and five steals, while two-way guard Keon Johnson added 26 points, seven rebounds and two steals.
Long Island plays at Maine in the G League Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday at 7 p.m.
