The negotiations between Hornets and restricted free agent Miles Bridges are “gathering traction in talks on a new deal” and are “optimistic” that the two parties can come to an agreement shortly, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.
Once Bridges and Charlotte finalize a deal, it will likely help the NBA finish their investigation and give Bridges a suspension for his role in an offseason arrest that’s dried up his market as a free agent and left him off a roster a quarter of the way through the season. The length of the suspension is unclear.
.@MilesBridges AT THE BUZZER‼️#AllFly pic.twitter.com/B4isBaxEEH
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 20, 2022
Bridges averaged 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game and have been a cornerstone member of the Hornets franchise since he was drafted 12th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. As a restricted free agent, many around the League expected Bridges to draw a $100 million plus offer sheet that Charlotte likely would’ve matched. His offseason actions changed that market, as stated above.
Charlotte (8-24) has dealt with some injury woes with LaMelo Ball, specifically missing double-digit games due to ankle injuries. Signing Bridges will help Charlotte upgrade their roster at the wing and will bring some entertainment and physicality to a lineup looking to make a run for a play-in seed and a spot in the playoffs.
