Five Best Fits for Miles Bridges in Free Agency
Miles Bridges received a qualifying offer from the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, officially making him a restricted free agent.
Other teams will be able to negotiate and even agree to terms on a new contract with Bridges but Charlotte will have the opportunity to match the offer.
So, which teams could be in the mix for Bridges once free agency opens?
Charlotte Hornets
Returning to Charlotte is what Bridges wants. He and LaMelo Ball have formed a tight relationship over the past couple of years and they helped lead the organization to its first winning season since 2016. He expressed his love for the city and the team at the end of the 2021-22 season, saying that he wants to remain with the team that took a chance on him out of college.
Cleveland Cavaliers
If the Cavs remain intact, they're really only one piece away from being a serious threat in the Eastern Conference. Insert Miles Bridges. A lineup of Garland, Mitchell, Bridges, Mobley, and Allen immediately puts the Cavs in title contention territory.
Los Angeles Clippers
Obviously, the Clippers would have to move some pieces around in order to be in the conversation for Bridges financially. But from the basketball side of things, a "big three" of Bridges, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George could be what allows the Clippers to finally live up to expectations.
Portland Trail Blazers
It doesn't appear that Damian Lillard is going anywhere this offseason but Portland needs to make some moves to keep him happy and avoid a trade demand. Jerami Grant is set to be an unrestricted free agent. Bridges is a younger player with a much higher ceiling, so Portland can let Grant walk and sign Bridges to help the Blazers get back on track.
Detroit Pistons
Bogdanovic is a nice player but the Pistons need more athleticism and Bridges fits in that regard. Plus, at age 25, Bridges fits more into their timeline of eventually contending and he can help take the Pistons to that next level. After all, he has the experience of doing something similar in Charlotte. And I'd be remiss to mention this would put him an hour away from his hometown of Flint, Michigan.
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