The Charlotte Hornets are receiving “a ton” of curiosity in commerce talks for Miles Bridges, in keeping with ESPN’s Shams Charania. Charlotte is now buying Bridges’ $22.8 million expiring contract after buying Naz Reid from the Minnesota Timberwolves and planning to maneuver Reid into the beginning lineup.
The Hornets’ determination comes shortly after the blockbuster trade that sent LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota. Charlotte obtained Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round decide, three first-round decide swaps (2028, 2029 and 2030), and three second-round picks within the deal.
Reid’s arrival modified the frontcourt equation for Charlotte. The 26-year-old huge man averaged 13.6 factors, 6.2 rebounds and a pair of.2 assists in 77 video games final season whereas ending fourth in Sixth Man of the 12 months voting. His means to attain inside and stretch the ground offers the Hornets a distinct offensive choice alongside their younger core.
Bridges, 28, had been considered one of Charlotte’s most dependable veterans through the 2025-26 season. He began all 77 video games, averaging 17.1 factors, 5.8 rebounds and three.2 assists in 31 minutes per recreation. He shot 46.0% from the sphere, 33.3% from three-point vary and 82.2% from the free-throw line.
The ahead’s contract state of affairs makes him particularly interesting on the commerce market. Bridges is coming into the ultimate 12 months of his deal, that means groups might purchase a productive scorer with out taking up long-term wage commitments. Charlotte’s willingness to discover a deal suggests the franchise is prioritizing flexibility after including future draft property.
The Hornets have already got a number of younger forwards in place. Brandon Miller averaged 20.2 factors, 4.9 rebounds and three.3 assists whereas taking pictures 38.3% from three, whereas rookie Kon Knueppel posted 18.5 factors, 5.3 rebounds and three.4 assists with a 42.5% three-point taking pictures mark. Each gamers are anticipated to stay central elements of Charlotte’s future.
Charlotte completed the 2025-26 season with a 44-38 file and earned a Play-In Event spot. The workforce’s subsequent roster selections will decide whether or not it tries to construct round its present younger group or continues turning veterans into property.
