The Charlotte Hornets have been making waves in the NBA trade market recently, and it seems like they are not done yet. General Manager Mitch Kupchak stated that the team is actively looking for opportunities to build a sustainable future. One player who has attracted interest from multiple teams is forward Miles Bridges.
According to reports, the Utah Jazz, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and Dallas Mavericks have all expressed interest in acquiring Bridges. However, there are some factors that teams must carefully consider before making a move for him.
Firstly, Bridges has had some off-court issues that teams need to take into account. He missed the first 10 games of the 2023-24 season due to a 30-game suspension handed to him by the NBA for a domestic violence incident with the mother of his children. Additionally, he faced an arrest warrant for an alleged violation of a protection order. These incidents raise concerns about Bridges' character and could affect how teams view him as a potential acquisition.
Moreover, there is a financial hurdle surrounding Bridges. He signed a qualifying offer with the Hornets last July, giving him the right to veto any trade this season. This means that if he is traded, his Bird rights won't transfer with him. Teams that are over the salary cap can only offer non-Bird free agents a contract for no more than 120% of their previous salary. In contrast, players with full Bird rights can be offered longer contracts with larger annual raises.
This financial situation could pose a challenge for teams considering Bridges, especially those above the salary cap. One team reportedly interested in Bridges, the Phoenix Suns, already has the NBA's third-most expensive payroll. Being over the salary cap limits their flexibility in team-building, and they would only be able to offer Bridges a contract starting at $9.5 million for four years. This could potentially affect their ability to retain him in free agency and limit their roster options moving forward.
Additionally, Bridges' off-court issues and ongoing legal troubles might dampen his free-agent market. Despite his impressive on-court performance this season—averaging a career-high 20.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists—teams might be hesitant to invest heavily in him due to the potential PR ramifications. It remains uncertain if Bridges will receive the lucrative nine-figure deal that once seemed likely.
With these factors in mind, some teams may be reluctant to trade for Bridges if they believe they won't have a realistic chance of re-signing him. The risk of acquiring him as a half-season rental and potentially losing him in free agency could outweigh the benefits for certain teams. However, for those teams fully committed to winning a championship this season, the short-term gain might outweigh the long-term consequences.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue Miles Bridges lies in the hands of the interested teams. While he brings great talent on the court, his off-court issues and financial considerations create a complicated situation. It remains to be seen whether any team will offer a compelling trade package and take on the associated risks. Only time will tell how this situation unfolds as the NBA trade deadline approaches.
