After signing a one-year, $7.9 million contract last summer, Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges will hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. Although the Hornets reportedly have interest in re-signing Bridges, two other teams appear to be keeping tabs on the 26-year-old. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Detroit Pistons and Utah Jazz may have interest in acquiring Bridges.
With forward Miles Bridges entering unrestricted free agency, it’s uncertain whether he’ll return as a member of Charlotte’s core.
The Hornets, Detroit Pistons, and Utah Jazz are among the notable teams expected to have interest in Bridges during free agency, league sources told HoopsHype.
After missing the entire 2022-23 season due to legal issues, Bridges appeared in 69 games for the Hornets this past season. In those games, he averaged 21 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Additionally, Bridges shot 46.2% from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc.
During the regular season, the Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks reportedly had interest in trading for Bridges. Although Scotto did not mention either team as a possible suitor for Bridges, they may be worth monitoring this 0ffseason in the Bridges sweepstakes.
Three NBA Teams Linked to Controversial Forward
Miles Bridges Wants to Stay in Charlotte
Just before the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, Bridges talked about wanting to remain with the Hornets amid the many trade rumors.
“Like I said before, the Hornets have been behind me and I want to stay here,” Bridges told the Observer. “I want to be here and that’s never going to change. So, as much talk as people hear that’s going around, just know that I want to stay with the Hornets.”
Furthermore, last month, the Michigan native doubled down on his comments about wanting to stay in Charlotte.
“It’s still the same,” Bridges responded when asked about his upcoming free agency. “I would love to be here. It’s my plan to be here. I love the city of Charlotte. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I grew up here. I’ve been here since I was 20. I’ve been through a lot here and the Hornets stayed down on me when they didn’t have to. It’s like a family to me here. My mom loves it here, my family loves it here. It’s home to me.
Bridges has spent his entire six-year NBA career with the Hornets up to this point after the team acquired him during the 2018 NBA Draft.
“The Hornets, Detroit Pistons, and Utah Jazz are among the notable teams expected to have interest in Miles Bridges during free agency, league sources told @hoopshype.”
🙄 #LetsFly35 (@MikeAScotto 📰 https://t.co/szYR0xuU1P) pic.twitter.com/YmzIhCN98k
— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) May 13, 2024
The Last Word on Miles Bridges
Bridges is coming off arguably the best season of his career. Additionally, with him having recently turned 26 years old, Bridges will likely be in the league for a while. His athleticism and well-rounded game make him an appealing small forward for teams in need of an upgrade. Staying with the Hornets seems to be the most likely option for Bridges, but nothing is official yet. Additionally, playing for his hometown Pistons could be intriguing for Bridges.
