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Things are pretty hectic right now for the Charlotte Hornets. Kenny Atkinson just backed out of the head coaching job for the Hornets, and now there's a rumor about the team being hesitant to pay up for Miles Bridges.
Here's what Shams Charania reported about the Bridges situation at The Athletic:
Rival executives expect Hornets restricted free agent Miles Bridges to command a maximum — or near-max — deal in July, and sources said there’s hesitancy from Charlotte to match a max sheet.
This is disappointing to see, and, honestly, the Hornets better pay the man what he wants. Bridges has taken a massive leap in his development and looks like the perfect wingman for LaMelo Ball. Charlotte simply cannot let him walk.
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Why Hornets must re-sign Miles Bridges, with 1 exception
4. Perfect 3-and-D star
Think of what some of the past NBA champions have featured on their roster, with guys who can both hit open shots and lock up the opposition on the defensive side of the ball. Think of what Andrew Wiggins just did with the Golden State Warriors, or what Khris Middleton was able to do back in the 2021 NBA Finals. Both guys played similar roles in their championship runs. Miles Bridges fits that mold perfectly and then some. He has the perfect tools to be a complementary star beside LaMelo Ball and is a solid second or third option for a good team. His skill set should make him a foundational piece with the Hornets.
3. Don't break up the Air BnB
Ball and Bridges have shown that they have some of the best chemistry in the league, which earned them their iconic nickname. Bridges has also voiced that he would like to spend the rest of his career in Buzz City if at all possible. The both of them appear to be really close friends as well and hang out on and off the court. Ball has solidified his spot as the franchise player between the two. Since that is the case, they should try to do whatever it takes to keep him happy by re-signing not just a damn good player, but also a good friend.
2. All-Star potential
It is understandable why the Hornets are a little hesitant to throw Bridges the bag. He is not exactly a bona fide scorer or All-Star. It is a gamble on his potential, but it is one worth taking. The man did jump from 12.7 points per game to 20 this past season. He also received votes to make the All-Star Game. There is something special in this guy, and if the Hornets do decide to replace him with another young player, there is no guarantee that he will fit right in and make a difference. With Bridges, they know they are getting a dog who is ready to help a team win.
1. The Ayton exception
Now if a sign-and-trade was on the table to swap out Bridges with Deandre Ayton, then it would be something to consider. The Hornets would get a star big man who is hungry to get more touches on the offensive side of the ball, while Phoenix would get a very good wing player alongside Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Mikal Bridges. This is the only option that would make sense for Charlotte at this point in time.
It is hard to develop young players in this league, but Charlotte appears to have found a gem in Bridges. He has done a great job of adapting to the constant roster flux situations that have happened in Charlotte. He has blossomed into a hot commodity this offseason. Hopefully, the Hornets comes to their senses and pay up.
