As the trade deadline inches closer, Miles Bridges has become one of the hotter names floating around league circles - and for good reason. He’s a plug-and-play forward with the kind of versatility that makes contending teams perk up.
Charlotte, meanwhile, is reportedly holding out for one or two first-round picks in return. Whether that price tag sticks or slides, the interest is real, and the Hornets are going to have a decision to make.
Bridges has been a key piece for Charlotte over the years, climbing to third on the franchise’s all-time scoring list behind Dell Curry and Kemba Walker - no small feat. But despite his production, there are real questions about his long-term fit.
His streaky three-point shooting and some questionable shot selection don’t exactly mesh with the Hornets’ push toward a modern, up-tempo, perimeter-heavy offense. If Charlotte is serious about building around LaMelo Ball and a younger core, this might be the right time to move on.
One potential trade scenario making the rounds involves the Bucks. The idea?
A deal that sends Bridges and Collin Sexton to Milwaukee in exchange for Bobby Portis, Kyle Kuzma, Ryan Rollins, and a first-round pick. On paper, it’s a move that could benefit both franchises - each addressing specific needs while staying aligned with their longer-term goals.
Let’s start with Charlotte. Portis would be a big get for their offense.
He’s shooting nearly 47% from deep this season on solid volume - that’s elite floor-spacing from the forward spot. He brings energy, toughness, and while he may be a bit undersized to man the five full-time, his ability to stretch the floor makes him a cleaner fit in Charlotte’s offensive system.
He fits the mold of what this team is trying to become: fast, fluid, and dangerous from deep.
Then there’s Kuzma. While his three-point shot hasn’t been reliable, his contract is structured to decline annually, which makes him more valuable than it might seem at first glance. He could be a useful rotational piece now, and as his cap hit drops, he becomes a potential trade chip or a steady veteran presence off the bench - depending on how things shake out.
Ryan Rollins is a bit of a wild card in the deal. He’s been in a bit of a shooting slump lately, but earlier this season he showed flashes of being a capable two-way contributor.
At just 23 years old, there’s still plenty of room to grow. For a Hornets team that needs more depth in the backcourt, especially behind LaMelo, Rollins could be a sneaky-good addition.
The first-round pick, of course, is a big part of this. Charlotte would bump its 2026 draft capital to three first-rounders - a strong position to be in, especially for a team that’s drafted well in recent years. If those picks can turn into reliable rotation players on rookie deals, that’s a massive win from a roster-building standpoint.
On the Bucks’ side, the appeal is obvious. They’d be getting Bridges and Sexton - two high-energy players who can score in bunches and bring a different dynamic to Milwaukee’s rotation.
Bridges gives them a wing who can defend multiple positions and finish in transition, while Sexton adds another shot-creator and downhill threat. Toss in a 2026 second-rounder, and it’s a pretty clear win-now move for a team looking to solidify its title push.
From a talent standpoint, Milwaukee comes out ahead in the short term. But Charlotte walks away with a better-fitting roster, future assets, and a clearer path to building around its young core.
The Hornets have been one of the league’s most puzzling teams this season. One night they’re blowing teams out, the next they’re struggling to find rhythm - with LaMelo Ball, their $200 million franchise centerpiece, even coming off the bench in multiple games. That kind of inconsistency has been the story of their season.
But here’s the thing: they’re still within striking distance of a play-in spot. A few smart moves at the deadline - like this potential Bridges deal - could help stabilize the rotation, improve the offensive identity, and give LaMelo the kind of supporting cast he needs to thrive.
Losing Bridges wouldn’t be easy. He’s been a significant part of this team’s recent history. But sometimes, moving on opens the door for something better - and for Charlotte, that better might be just around the corner.