As the NBA trade deadline draws near, all eyes are on Charlotte - and more specifically, on Miles Bridges. The 27-year-old forward is drawing “significant” interest from teams with postseason aspirations, with the Bucks, Warriors, and Suns reportedly among the most active suitors.
Bridges is in the midst of a strong season, averaging 18.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in just under 33 minutes per game. He’s not the kind of player who’s going to light it up from deep or lock down the opposing team’s best scorer every night, but he brings a dependable mix of scoring, size, and durability that’s hard to find in today’s league. At 6’7”, he can play multiple positions on the wing, and perhaps most impressively, he’s been a consistent presence on the court - playing at least 64 games in every season of his career and suiting up for 44 of Charlotte’s 45 games so far this year.
That kind of availability, combined with his steady production, makes him a valuable trade chip. And the Hornets know it.
League sources say Charlotte is holding firm on its asking price - at least one first-round pick, and possibly more. Bridges is under contract through the 2026-27 season at $22.8 million, so there’s no pressure to move him right now unless the right deal comes along.
The Bucks, looking to add more athleticism and scoring punch around their core, have been linked to Bridges. But there’s a potential snag: Charlotte reportedly isn’t all that interested in Kyle Kuzma, who would be the most logical outgoing piece in a Milwaukee deal given his $22.4 million salary. That complicates things for the Bucks, who may need to get creative if they want to stay in the hunt.
Golden State is another team to watch. A potential swap involving Jonathan Kuminga would work financially - Kuminga’s $22.5 million salary is a near match for Bridges - and the Warriors have been exploring ways to retool their roster without fully blowing it up. Whether Charlotte sees Kuminga as a long-term piece is still unclear, but his age and upside could make him an intriguing option for a team in transition.
Then there’s Phoenix. The Suns have been mentioned as a team with interest, and there’s a personal connection here - both Bridges and Suns owner Mat Ishbia are Michigan State alums.
But the Suns are reportedly hesitant to disrupt the chemistry they’ve been building during the season. Adding a player like Bridges would be a bold move, especially midseason, and it’s not clear if they’re ready to roll those dice just yet.
Of course, any team considering a move for Bridges will also weigh his off-court history. He missed the entire 2022-23 season following a felony domestic violence arrest and accepted a plea deal in that case, with other charges later dismissed. He served a suspension at the start of the 2023-24 campaign but has stayed out of legal trouble since returning to the court.
For Charlotte, the decision is about more than just asset management. Bridges has been a key part of the franchise since he was drafted 12th overall in 2018, starting 363 of his 468 career games.
He’s been productive, reliable, and a fixture in the lineup. But with the Hornets still in rebuild mode and the trade market heating up, this could be the moment to cash in - if the price is right.
As February 5 approaches, expect the phone lines in Charlotte to stay busy. Teams chasing playoff dreams know what Bridges brings to the table. Now it’s just a question of who’s willing to pay to get him.