The Golden State Warriors are clearly in evaluation mode as the trade deadline looms, trying to navigate how best to maximize what's left of the Stephen Curry era. And while it’s no surprise they’re exploring the market, especially with Jonathan Kuminga’s future still murky, the latest rumor tying them to Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges raises more questions than answers.
Let’s be clear: the Warriors are looking for pieces that can help them win now. That’s the lens through which every potential move should be evaluated. So when you hear that Golden State is among the teams showing interest in Bridges-alongside the Bucks and Suns-it’s worth asking: does this move the needle?
The short answer? Not really.
Same Role, Same Flaws-Just Older
Bridges is a talented player. No doubt about that.
But when you stack him up next to Kuminga, the similarities are hard to ignore-and not in a good way. Both are athletic, versatile forwards who can defend multiple positions and bring energy in transition.
But both also struggle with consistency, particularly in areas that matter most for a team with title aspirations: shot selection, off-ball defense, and three-point shooting.
Bridges, who turns 28 in March, is a career 33.9% shooter from deep. That number’s been buoyed by just two seasons of above-average shooting-40.0% in 2020-21 and 34.9% in 2023-24.
Every other year? Below 34%, including this current campaign.
That’s a red flag for a team that thrives on spacing and ball movement.
And then there’s the decision-making. According to data from Basketball Index, Bridges ranks in the fifth percentile in one-on-one shot making, 17th percentile in both efficiency and three-point shot quality, and just the 20th percentile in overall shot quality. Translation: he’s taking tough shots, and he’s not making enough of them.
Defensive Concerns That Don’t Go Away
On defense, the picture isn’t much brighter. While Bridges has had moments as a strong isolation defender, the advanced metrics paint a more concerning picture.
He ranks in the third percentile in ball screen navigation and 40th percentile in off-ball chaser defense. That’s a problem for a Warriors system that demands high IQ and constant movement on both ends.
Golden State’s defense isn’t what it was during their dynasty peak, and plugging in another player who struggles to defend off the ball won’t help. They already have that in Kuminga-who, by the way, is still just 21 years old and under team control on a manageable contract.
The Price Tag Doesn’t Help
And then there’s the cost.
Charlotte reportedly wants at least one first-round pick for Bridges, maybe two. That’s a steep price for a player whose fit is questionable and whose contract runs through next season at over $22.8 million. For a Warriors front office that’s already navigating a tight cap sheet and luxury tax implications, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
There’s also the opportunity cost. Using valuable draft capital on a player who doesn’t clearly elevate your ceiling is a risky move-especially when the Warriors could be saving those assets for a bigger swing, either at this deadline or in the offseason.
What’s the Endgame?
If the goal is to find a player who complements Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson in what could be their final push together, the Warriors need more than just another athletic forward with an inconsistent jumper and defensive lapses. They need someone who can stretch the floor, defend at a high level, and play within the system.
Bridges might have the raw tools, but he hasn’t shown the polish or consistency to be that guy-especially not at the price the Hornets are asking.
So while the rumor mill keeps turning, and the Warriors continue to weigh their options, this particular deal feels like a lateral move at best. And for a team trying to squeeze one more run out of a legendary core, lateral just isn’t good enough.