Fire is present where there is smoke, and plumes are soaring over the Spectrum Center. Several Charlotte Hornets players are in the heart of trade rumors as the trade deadline of February 8th draws closer. Miles Bridges, the starting forward, more than any other.
This morning, Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer noted in his trade notebook:
“…the Phoenix Suns continue to be described by league personnel as the team most motivated to land the Michigan State product.”
Fischer discusses the relationship between Bridges’ alma mater, Michigan State, and Suns owner Mat Ishbia, as well as the team’s acute need for wing depth.
Per @FlexFromJersey on the @PHNX_Suns pod, Miles Bridges talks are "no longer in the exploratory phase, this thing is getting serious."
"It's graduated over the last 24-48 hours. Multiple contacts have confirmed to me that this is moving now, potentially even towards the finish… https://t.co/fAPC0hcLbH pic.twitter.com/ka2TNOUw3w
— /r/CharlotteHornets (@HornetsReddit) February 2, 2024
Talking about Bridges’ availability and Phoenix’s interest isn’t limited to Fischer. Insiders from the NBA and the Suns have both mentioned that the Hornets’ fire sale is still ongoing.
The Hornets have minimal negotiating power since Miles Bridges is only on a one-year contract, has a no-trade provision, and substantial off-court baggage that restricts his trade market. Even though Bridges expressed his intention to stay and Charlotte preserved his bird-right in free agency, it’s still feasible he could walk for nothing.
Charlotte can end up with nothing if the squad refuses to meet his demands or if he turns his attention elsewhere. With regard to Bridges’ trade worth, it is important to acknowledge his off-court infractions from 2022.
As long as trade speculations are still circulating, Bridges will continue to start for the team. Bridges recorded a line of 30 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists against the Chicago Bulls.
