Miles Bridges broke out in 2021-2022 to the tune of 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game for the Charlotte Hornets. LaMelo Ball and Bridges made for a promising duo in Charlotte. However, Bridges is expected to command a max contract in free agency which may deter the Hornets from re-signing him, per the Athletic. There is a growing possibility of a departure from the Hornets for Miles Bridges in free agency.
It should be noted that Bridges is a restricted free agent, meaning Charlotte has the rights to match any contract offer thrown his way.
With that being said, here are the 5 best destinations for Miles Bridges in 2022 NBA free agency.
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5 best destinations for Hornets' Miles Bridges in 2022 NBA free agency
The Portland Trail Blazers are in a state of fluctuation.
On one hand, they dealt CJ McCollum away last season. On the other hand, the Trail Blazers still have superstar Damian Lillard on the roster. Lillard has been vocal about his desire to stay in Portland, so the Blazers may opt to build a winning team around him.
Adding a young star such as Bridges would propel the Blazers back into contention. The 6'7, 24-year old features a versatile skillset and could be a quality secondary option behind Lillard.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a young team on the rise. With budding stars in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, this is a team with potential. However, they are still a number of pieces away from contending in the Western Conference.
Miles Bridges could be the key for a return to contention in OKC. Paring him with Gilegous-Alexander would provide the Thunder with an excellent 1-2 punch. Giddey would be an impressive third option as well.
The Thunder would still need to add a few more pieces around the trio. But Oklahoma City is an attractive landing spot for Bridges.
In similar fashion to OKC, the San Antonio Spurs have a youthful roster full of potential. Dejounte Murray broke out in 2021-2022, while Jakob Poeltl is an emerging star in the post. Placing Miles Bridges on a wing between Murray and Poeltl would make the Spurs an exciting team to watch.
His presence would be highly beneficial for Murray as well. Opposing teams game planned around containing Murray on offense last year. With Bridges in the picture, Murray would likely gain more open looks.
In contrast to the aforementioned teams, the Minnesota Timberwolves were a legitimate postseason threat this past season. Their core of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota to new heights.
So adding another star to compliment the duo would make sense. But the Timberwolves don't have the salary room to add Bridges at the moment. They would need to trade a player such as D'Angelo Russell to create cap space.
Minnesota traded Andrew Wiggins away a couple years ago for Russell. Although Russell has been productive for the Timberwolves, Wiggins has emerged as an All-Star in Golden State. He was a crucial piece to the puzzle in the Warriors' recent NBA Finals victory.
The Timberwolves have yet to replace his talent in Minnesota. But Miles Bridges may be the answer.
1. Charlotte Hornets
The number one free agent destination for Miles Bridges is a return to Charlotte.
The Hornets displayed signs of becoming a threat this past season. LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges are not only a talented duo, but an extremely entertaining duo. They both enjoy playing the game and it shows.
Watching them run it back would be good for the NBA. Additionally, the Hornets are just a few pieces away from becoming a force in the Eastern Conference. They made the play-in game in 2022 and could clinch a playoff spot next year with Ball and Bridges leading the charge.
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