Report | "Not a lot of confidence" Miles Bridges will re-sign in Charlotte in the 2024 off-season

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports discussed Charlotte's trade deadline approach + Miles Bridges future

With the Charlotte Hornets positioned at 12th in the Eastern Conference, sitting at 6-11 and facing a significant injury crisis, there is already talk in league circles about how the Hornets might approach the trade deadline.

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, one of the best sourced journalists covering the NBA, recently shared his latest intel on the Charlotte Hornets during an episode of his podcast “No Cap Room”. Fischer had three particularly interesting quotes

"I'm definitely starting to shift into looking at Charlotte as definite seller mode right now..."

"There's been plenty of whispers about a potential changeover in the front office and the coaching staff after the season."

"They only have one year with Miles Bridges. All of his off-court stuff aside, talking about this strictly from a basketball standpoint. When he signs the qualifying offer and is going into unrestricted free agency, there's not a lot of confidence or expectation around the league that he (Miles Bridges) is going to be back in Charlotte next year."

You can listen to the full audio at around the 21 minute mark at the podcast link below;

New 'No Cap Room' with @YourManDevine!

Some more IST talk and thoughts, we profess our love for the injured Jalen Johnson, and stay tuned for Pelicans, Rockets, Hornets and Pistons details:

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— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) December 1, 2023

Analysis

With the current state of the time the first two quotes regarding the Hornets being a "Seller" at the trade deadline and whispers of staff changeover won't come is hardly news and won't come as a surprise to anyone. In fact, I continue to believe the front office change will occur before the February trade deadline, not after the season.

The last quote regarding Miles Bridges not being in Charlotte next year is eye catching. Since returning Bridges has been putting up career numbers and looks every bit of the player he did before his suspension. His chemistry with LaMelo Ball is clear, and he offers two way ability few others can provide. It's important to note it was Jake Fischer who first reported in the off-season that Bridges and the Hornets were not close to agreeing a long term contract, that turned out to be correct should build confidence in Fischer's latest intel.

Bridges is an unrestricted free agent, he has complete control of where he signs this summer. If Bridges camp has signalled an intention to explore free agency, then Charlotte would likely entertain trading Bridges before the trade deadline. Due to playing on a qualifying offer, Bridges would have the right to approve or reject any trade. Alternatively, the Hornets could explore trading Bridges in the summer in a sign and trade. Strictly from a basketball perspective, losing Bridges for no assets after waiting for him to return for 12+ months would be poor asset management.