Miles Bridges was among the best combo-forwards of the NBA this past season. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like the Charlotte Hornets are ready to go all-in on him.
The 24-year-old is coming off his best season yet, and he will be a restricted free agent this offseason. He averaged 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game last year.
That helped raise his market value for free agency. In fact, many believe Bridges deserves as much as a max offer this summer. That's a price tag, however, that may be too steep for the Hornets.
Remember that Bridges was a terrific and uber-athletic two-way player for the Hornets. He has shown flashes of star potential and is expected to continue getting better in the coming years.
So why might the Hornets blink and miss? They have already committed much of their cap space to both Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier for the next two seasons. By that time, franchise frontman LaMelo Ball will be eligible for restricted free agency. Ball will likely command max player money. Simply put, the Hornets' pockets may not be deep enough for all the talent they want to keep.
REPORT: Rival teams expect Miles Bridges to command a near maximum deal in free agency this season.
The Hornets would be hesitant to match any near-max offer sheet Bridges signs.
(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/QsemlDxAjn
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 20, 2022
Something's got to give, and Bridges could be the one to fall by the wayside.
His possible alternative destinations include the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers. Both teams are bent on going after restricted free agents who could help them in the present. Bridges fits that profile to a t, making the Pistons and the Pacers the Hornets' prime competition to acquire the Michigan State alum's services.
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