Ranking the Best Fits for Miles Bridges

Where will the Charlotte Hornets' free agent end up?

Schuyler Callihan | Jul 2, 2024

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

Charlotte Hornets

Miles Bridges is an unrestricted free agent, but could find a deal in a matter of days. Remaining with the Charlotte Hornets is his wish, but other suitors will push hard for the 26-year-old in free agency or perhaps in a sign-and-trade scenario.

Here are who I believe to be the three best fits for Bridges.

3. Los Angeles Lakers

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After missing out on Klay Thompson and some other key free agents, the Lakers need to look to add from that next tier of talent. The last thing they can do in an extremely competitive Western Conference is just sit back and wait for something to fall into their lap. Bridges would give the Lakers an upgrade over Cam Reddish at small forward or he could slide into the four if Rui Hachimura is involved in the deal.

2. Memphis Grizzlies

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis dealt with a ton of injuries this past season, but they can quickly return to being competitive in the Western Conference. Think of a possible sign-and-trade scenario which sends Bridges to Memphis in exchange for Marcus Smart. There may be more layers to it, but this would be a move that bolsters Charlotte's defense in the backcourt.

1. Charlotte Hornets

Scott Kinser-USA TODAY Sports

Bridges' best bet is to ink a long-term deal to remain in Charlotte. And with so few teams being able to afford what Bridges is asking for, the Hornets have the luxury of sitting back and being patient with the process. The more deals teams make with other free agents, the more leverage Charlotte has. Both sides want to continue forward together and have gone on record saying as much. He may not offer the same wow factor as LaMelo Ball or Brandon Miller, but he's viewed as one of the most vocal leaders in the organization.

READ MORE ABOUT THE HORNETS

Way-Too-Early 2025 Mock Draft: Who Do the Hornets Take?

Todjane Salaun, KJ Simpson to Miss Some Time with Injuries

Hornets Acquire Josh Green in Three-Team Trade

Published Jul 2, 2024

SCHUYLER CALLIHAN

schuylercallihan(at)gmail.com Twitter:@Callihan_ Schuyler Callihan is the lead publisher of Mountaineers Now, All Panthers, and All Hornets on FanNation/Sports Illustrated. He took over publishing duties of All Panthers in 2020 and wanted to expand his professional coverage in the Queen City by running the operations at All Hornets. Schuyler attended Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia before finishing up his schooling at Alamance Community College in Graham, North Carolina. The Wheeling, West Virginia native made the move to North Carolina in 2015 and has been in Charlotte since 2021.