This summer, forward Miles Bridges signed a three-year, $75 million deal to remain with the Charlotte Hornets. Bridges, a former lottery pick, has spent his entire career with the Hornets since entering the league in 2018. Following his new deal, the Michigan native is now under contract through the 2026-27 season. Bridges has made it clear he wanted to remain in Charlotte, and it seems that the feeling was mutual. However, according to Bridges himself, there were other teams who had interest in adding him to the roster this summer.
In a recent interview with Roderick Boone of the Charlotte Observer, Bridges revealed that the Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers had interest in him as well.
“Yeah, the Clippers are a great organization,” Bridges said. “They wanted me, the (Cleveland) Cavaliers wanted me. But at the same time I was just trying to see what was the best fit for me, and what would make me and my family happy.”
Ultimately, Bridges stayed in Charlotte, where he will continue to be an important part of the team. Last season, the 26-year-old averaged 21 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 69 games.
Miles Bridges Reveals Which 2 Teams Had Interest in Him
Where Bridges Could Have Fit With the Los Angeles Clippers or Cleveland Cavaliers
However, he would have been an interesting fit in Los Angeles or Cleveland.
The Clippers, funny enough, initially drafted Bridges in 2018 before trading him in a deal for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that night. Fast forward to today, and he would have made a solid addition to the team. They lost star Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers in the biggest move of the offseason. While not on the same level, Bridges could have been a decent replacement for him.
As for the Cavaliers, they could use another small forward. Max Strus is solid, but Bridges would have been a better option in the lineup. Cleveland lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round of last season’s playoffs. Though they should remain a legitimate threat in the East, the Cavaliers made very few changes to the team. Adding a dynamic player like Bridges could have elevated the team to another level.
A Recap of the Charlotte Hornets’ Offseason
Last season, the Hornets finished with a 21-61 record. The team has not made a playoff appearance since the 2015-16 season, and that likely will not change next year. However, they still made some solid moves in the offseason. In addition to re-signing Bridges, the Hornets acquired Josh Green from the Dallas Mavericks and drafted Tidjane Salaun. Charlotte also added Taj Gibson, Moussa Diabate, and Harry Giles to the roster. Perhaps their most notable move, however, is not the addition of a player, but new head coach Charles Lee. Lee is a two-time NBA champion, including once as an assistant coach of last year’s Celtics team.
The Hornets will most likely remain closer to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. However, there is a lot to be excited about in Charlotte, and the team could surprise some people this year.
