The Jazz, Suns, and Pistons are among the teams that have called the Hornets to inquire on forward Miles Bridges, reports Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Bridges, 25, is considered a potential trade candidate for a Hornets team that appears lottery-bound and already moved one key player (Terry Rozier) this week in exchange for a first-round pick. Bridges has been productive in his return to the court this season, averaging 20.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 37.0 minutes per game across 31 appearances, with a shooting line of .455/.355/.866.
However, Bridges’ trade value is complicated by a couple factors. One is his contract situation. Having accepted his qualifying offer as a restricted free agent last summer, Bridges will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. He also has the ability to veto a trade and would lose his Bird rights if he’s dealt this season, which could affect what a team is willing to give up to acquire him.
The other factor limiting Bridges’ trade value is his legal situation off the court. The Hornets forward sat out the entire 2022/23 season following accusations of domestic violence and has faced new allegations following the resolution of that case. While the former Michigan State star would be an ideal fit on the court for many teams seeking another wing or forward with size, there may be teams unwilling to pursue him due to the off-court allegations.
According to Fischer, the Jazz are viewed as both a buyer and seller at this season’s trade deadline. While players like Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, and Talen Horton-Tucker are considered available, Utah is also keeping an eye out for possible additions who could help the team win now. One item on the Jazz’s wish list is a veteran who could handle point guard duties while rookie Keyonte George continues to learn the ropes. Hawks guard Dejounte Murray is one player Utah has expressed interest in, says Fischer.
The Suns’ interest in Bridges was reported earlier this week and has since been confirmed by Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. Unlike Utah and Detroit, Phoenix isn’t in position to open up cap room this summer to potentially re-sign Bridges and would likely have to view him as a rental. However, if the cost is modest enough due to Bridges’ expiring contract and legal issues – perhaps Nassir Little and a couple second-round picks – the Suns would still be interested.
According to Fischer, the Suns are eyeing potential rotation players at various positions who could be acquired using Little as the primary outgoing salary-matching piece. That group includes guards Delon Wright and Monte Morris, forwards Jae’Sean Tate and Royce O’Neale, and center Nick Richards.
As for the Pistons, they project to have significant cap room this summer and appear to be attempting to get a head-start on free agency by acquiring a player to whom they could dedicate a chunk of that room. They were linked to Pascal Siakam before he was sent to Indiana and have reportedly discussed Zach LaVine as well.
In his latest Substack article, Marc Stein says that those talks with the Bulls about LaVine have “by no means gone dormant,” noting that the Pistons maintain interest in the two-time All-Star.
Lakers have some negative assets to trade for Bridges
Gabe Vincent
DLo
Rui
Lakers add 2029 unprotected first round pick
The Pistons and Suns are ideal fits as he’s from Flint Michigan and a Michigan State star. The Suns owner Matt Ishbia won a National Championship at Michigan State in 2000 and they know one another well. An interesting fact with Bridges is he was drafted with the same pick the Pistons traded to the Clippers for Blake Griffin. We all knew that was a horrible trade.
I don’t see Bridges turning down Phoenix. Phoenix mortgaged the farm so they should go for Bridges or what ever they can get to win thus year.
Other than being an expiring contract Utah trading for Bridges doesn’t make sense. Utah would have a hard time resigning him, the Salt Lake City culture doesn’t fit him and the fans would be relentless.
Utah has lots of money to resign which often gets the job done ✅
Can’t see jazz wanting to add him but I do see the jazz being a huge benefit to him the player cash wise.
He might also thrive with Hardy and love it
We all know the suns would like him more but … no money and they in the tax second apron. Not going to happen
Hornets will keep him
Suns need more help? Bridges to pistons or mavs.
Isaiah Stewart and Killian hays probably 2 or 3 2nd Rd picks ought to get it done…. Pistons have the money to pay him in off-season plus he is a flint native it makes a lot of sense..
Chicago Bulls
Zach LaVine
Pat Williams
For
Bridges
Miller
Brandon miller??? That’s ridiculous
meant a case of miller genuine draft.
Pat Williams still plays like a 1st year player. I see his upside, and his future looks real deep. I can see nearly the same thing for Miller. I would move Ball too, I don’t think he wants to be a Bull
throw him in for Kyle. Trade Kyle for drafts picks.
Jazz could go get Murray and should. Jazz could also go get guys like a Herro if available or a Miles Bridges type. Heavily picks based but good player pieces to add too. Sexton, Clarkson and more. Jazz could be low key low maintenance good if they play their cards right
Jazz don’t really need to anything or they could do whatever too.
The jazz just need to avoid one ☝️ thing and that is a bad trade of any kind.
Jazz are being patient and it has started to pay off.
Murray would be ok if the price was lower.
Not a must deal…
Jazz more likely to sell then buy …
I hope Bridges rots in Charlotte.
Pistons make a bunch of of sense, I think Memphis should be chasing aswell. They need the Brooks replacement at the 3.
Miami again would be a great landing spot, they need the upgrades to the roster and he’s got a cheap contract for now.
Indy have a bunch of young players they could offer ….
Even the ATL they could do with a Miles Bridges
Pistons can just wait , the real fight for MB will be with cap space this summer
Cha has it Det has it , a rare ( non bird ) cap showdown is brewing
Any non cap team (Mia Mem Atl Ind ) will have to view him as a pure rental
Yeah Memphis does make sense for Bridges. Memphis should get Wiseman too
Pat Williams still plays like a 1st year player. I see his upside, and his future looks real deep. I can see nearly the same thing for Miller. I would move Ball too, I don’t think he wants to be a Bull
throw him in for Kyle. Trade Kyle for drafts picks.