Free agent forward Miles Bridges‘ could receive $30MM+ annually on his next contract, league sources tell Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. However, it remains to be seen if that money will come from the Hornets or another team.
According to Fischer, Charlotte is “believed to be open” to sign-and-trade concepts involving Bridges if the right opportunity arises. Sources tell Fischer the Nets discussed a Bridges trade concept with Charlotte in February that would have sent Ben Simmons to Charlotte. The Kings also inquired about Bridges ahead of the deadline, per Fischer.
As Fischer writes, the Hornets are viewed as a “salary-dumping ground” this summer as their new front office and head coach spearhead a rebuild. The same is true of the Pistons, who are looking for a new coach after dismissing Monty Williams.
Bridges’ market value has been difficult to gauge due to his off-court history, which includes multiple domestic violence allegations. One of those cases was dropped, but the other caused him to miss the entire 2022/23 season after he pleaded no contest (accepting punishment without formally admitting guilt).
Here’s more from Fischer:
- Confirming previous reporting, Fischer hears the Bulls remain active in trade talks around the league. The Thunder, Raptors and Hornets are among the teams with interest in restricted free agent Patrick Williams, Fischer writes.
- The Kings appear to be the most likely suitor right now for Zach LaVine, according to Fischer, who adds that Sacramento has continued shopping Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter in trade talks. Huerter, in particular, has drawn a “healthy amount external interest.” Still, the Bulls haven’t gained serious traction on a potential LaVine deal in several months despite being active in negotiations, sources tell Fischer. The Kings are also contemplating moving the No. 13 pick in next week’s draft, Fischer adds.
- In previous trade windows, the Bulls pushed for unprotected picks when discussing Alex Caruso, sources tell Fischer. One scenario saw the Bulls push for four first-rounders, though presumably that total would have included protected picks. Chicago officially traded Caruso to Oklahoma City on Friday for Josh Giddey.
- Fischer confirms LaVine is a “backup option” for the Sixers and their significant cap room. Fischer also suggests (via Twitter) the 76ers shouldn’t be ruled out as a landing spot for Paul George, despite a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic stating that their interest in George has waned as of late.
- Fischer says the Magic are looking for a veteran wing who can space the floor, naming Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as perhaps their top target. If they lose Williams, the Bulls could have interest in Caldwell-Pope, with the Sixers another potential landing spot depending on how things work out with other targets. There are scenarios in which Orlando would exercise its $11MM team option on Joe Ingles as well, sources tell Fischer. Fischer previously touched on Klay Thompson‘s fit with the Magic.
- The Grizzlies, who control the No. 9 pick, are known to be looking for big men, with UConn’s Donovan Clingan one draft target in a move-up scenario. However, Fischer hears from sources who say Memphis is also open to moving back in the draft. The Grizzlies are unwilling to move Marcus Smart, but Luke Kennard has drawn “strong interest” in trade talks, according to Fischer — the team holds a $14.7MM option on Kennard for 2024/25.
Nooo not the Kings destroying their depth for an injury prone star!! Not that one again!!!!
Depth being Barnes and Huerter? Really?
With Embiid,
Why 76ers are targeting injury prone players such as George, Lavine and OG?
Because
76ers have no assets to trade?
Injury collections
Gilligan why do you constantly annoy with your ridiculous comments and nonsensical takes. Reports indicate sixers no longer interested in George,Had no interest in LaVine and Og is a fall back option( Og will resign with knicks). 5 future 1sts and 60 plus in cap room are assets in America, bot.
It doesnt sound like any of these moves would make any of these teams a contender for anything…is there really too much talent?
Three Team Trade Idea :
Lopez and Lavine to Sacramento
Connaughton , Duarte and pick/s to Chicago
Barnes and Huerter to Milwaukee
Could even expand that with Vucevic to MIL
Portis to Chicago
Bulls select a Center with #11 (Edey or Ware)
Milwaukee then play Portis at centre?
They were poor defensively last season and this only makes them worse while youd drop Barnes at the bench ?
Chicago drop LaVine for next to no salary return and get picks while Sacramento are battling the luxury tax want to take back more money???
Nice idea but not happening sorry
I had just read that Lopez is on the block and that Rivers wants Giannis to play more at the C position, so they would be going “smaller”.
With Barnes at SF and Middleton moving to SG
Huerter taking PatCon’s place off the bench.
But in the second comment I pivoted to include a Center in Vucevic. In case the experiment doesn’t work.
Chicago has to drop salary if they want to resign Demar Derozan, and the asking price for Mr. Glass Lavine has already plummeted, so they get some depth pieces ,
a replacement for Caruso’s D in PatCon and a secondary ball handler in Duarte to play SG/SF
The pick may only be a 2nd or a swap.
But for optics it makes sense.
Problem is this would essentially trigger a rebuild in Chicago, bc Demar likely wouldn’t return to a non-contender. But with the Giddey trade , did they not already signal that is the direction they are headed ?
Major Cap problems gotta blow it up.
Or risk losing Pat Williams and Derozan .
A Derozan sign and trade is probably the best they can hope for in this scenario.
As far as Sacramento, The salaries are very close to a match. They are losing Monk and they need to go all in, bc the team as currently constructed only has a small window and it’s right now .
Monk is re-signing though
Sacramento is losing Monk? What?
Zach LaVine for Miles Bridges via a sign and trade?
Low key a win win for both parties.
Charlotte are viewed as a dumping ground taken back LaVine who would make a really strong backcourt with LaMelo Ball. Then you’ve got Miller on the wing, and this years draft pick to add even more defence.
Chicago dump LaVine and get back Bridges who saves them money, fills a gap in the depth chart and fits their rebuilding timeline a lot better.
Maybe they let Patrick Williams then walk as they’ve managed to replace him, also freeing up some money to continue getting better
As for Sacramento, be interesting to see the offers on Hueter. Barnes I think could be moved super easily. Every team needs a forward that can play defence and shoot the 3.
I think adding an even hire volume shooter than Miles would stunt Millers development. Hornets need Melo and Miller to become Tatum and Brown essentially.
Yeah but Miller also makes a big difference defensively and winning some more games and maybe getting some play in/playoff experience could be just as handy.
Jaylen and Tatum also had to share touches with Kemba, Hayward and Kyrie.
Miller and Melo as much as I love them I think are better served as being number 2 and 3 options on a serious title contender, not that Zach LaVine is a title winning number 1 option but it would help both guys adjust to learning a new role
As Fischer writes, the Hornets are viewed as a “salary-dumping ground” this summer as their new front office and head coach spearhead a rebuild. The same is true of the Pistons, who are looking for a new coach after dismissing Monty Williams.
Goddamn, I feel bad for both franchises. They’ve been rebuilding for a decade plus. Hornets particularly deserve ridicule after moving on from Borrego. I like Casey in Detroit. They both got a raw deal.