The Charlotte Hornets will be keeping a vital piece of their team. Despite not having a good season, the team has pieces that others have been interested in. Notably, Terry Rozier left for the Miami Heat. Additionally, with the injury history of LaMelo Ball, getting rid of the most active remaining top-scorer could have seen things get ugly. However, with this latest report, at least one consistent scoring option will remain on the team.
Charlotte Hornets Keeping Forward
Miles Bridges informed the team that would reject any trades before this year’s deadline. According to an ESPN report, Rich Paul shared that he fully intends to use his veto power if needed. This stipulation in his contract was a part of the recent one-year $8 million deal.
Regardless of how the rest of the season plays out, it looks like he will be able to test the open market this offseason. This leaves a couple of options for the summer. Either the Charlotte Hornets will secure him on a long-term deal, or he will become an unrestricted free agent.
Miles Bridges' last 2 games ?
45 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST, 6 3PT (63% FG)
41 PTS, 5 3PT, 4 AST (62% FG)He joins Kemba Walker and Glen Rice as the only players in franchise history to score 45+pic.twitter.com/RwK5AVBDSS
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 8, 2024
It remains most likely that he will play on a different team next season. Additionally, the possibility remains that he will become part of a sign-and-trade deal this upcoming offseason. But for now, he will remain in Charlotte.
Charlotte Hornets Attempted Trade
The franchise and Bridges worked together to try to see a mutually beneficial move. Unfortunately, teams lacked further interest after attempting negotiations. Notably, the Phoenix Suns and Hornets tried to work out an agreement.
Additionally, other teams expressed interest, however likewise, nothing could be completed. The move to Phoenix would have been an interesting one. Even though the exact package is unknown, there are some basic assumptions. It’s doubtful the Suns would have given up Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, or Bradley Beal. Although some blockbuster deals have happened, it’s unlikely the Suns would have gone down that route in this case.
This means pairing Bridges with Durant, Beal, and Booker would have been instantly one of the best units. Currently, he is the leading scoring option. But had this trade gone through, he would have been a distant third or fourth, depending on the night. Regardless, teams expressing interest shows how much respect there is for his abilities.
Charlotte Hornets Avoiding The Tank?
Although it looked like they wanted to hit a hard reset, Bridges will be staying. The Charlotte Hornets have 10 wins on the season. They remain closer to earning a top pick than anything else.
However, just as we saw last night against the Toronto Raptors, Bridges can score the basketball. He erupted for a 45-point night. Knowing he is in a contract year, it will not be surprising if he continues to have big scoring outbursts like this one. Even if Charlotte Hornets fans are hoping for losses, Bridges may have other plans.
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