In the aftermath of the blockbuster LaMelo Ball trade, the Charlotte Hornets are in a state of flux as the peak offseason period approaches. By securing multiple draft picks (including an unprotected first and five pick swaps), most experts agree the Hornets came out victorious in the deal, but they now face major uncertainty about the path ahead.
When it comes to the untouchables, we know that Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller are off limits for the Hornets, but anyone else is fair game for the right package. According to NBA insider Evan Sidery, one player seen as increasingly likely to be moved is 28-year-old swingman Miles Bridges, who no longer fits the team’s younger timeline.
“The Hornets are also shopping Miles Bridges in trade talks as they look to further retool their roster around Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller,” wrote Sidery on X. “Bridges is on a $22.8 million expiring contract.”
As the Hornets shift their focus to building around Knueppel, we can expect them to flip veterans like Bridges into pieces that fit their new team vision. Specifically, the Hornets will be looking for draft picks and young players to help them build an identity and be competitive in the East.
As a role player, the Hornets can’t expect too much in exchange for Miles, but he’s still someone who has value after averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game on 46.0% shooting from the field this season. In the right situation, he could elevate his team’s ceiling and turn a regular playoff team into a true title contender.
For now, it’s impossible to know where Bridges will end up, but some teams make better spots than others. Here are three potential landing spots that make sense for both teams and put Bridges in a position to succeed:
Denver Nuggets
Potential Trade Scenario
Hornets Receive: Cam Johnson, 2031 first-round pick, 2033 second-round pick
Nuggets Receive: Miles Bridges
The Nuggets are still reeling from their first-round loss to the Timberwolves this year, and it’s never been more obvious that they need to make some serious changes. Short of trading the two stars (Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray), the Nuggets can make a splash by upgrading their starting lineup. Specifically, they can send off Cam Johnson, who was unable to fill the void left by Michael Porter Jr.’s departure. While Bridges would not make Denver the title favorites, he would improve their standing by providing another source of shooting and floor spacing.
For Charlotte, it’s a modest return, but possibly enough to meet their demands. While he’s not Bridges, Cam Johnson can produce on both ends of the floor, and he can make an impact without needing the ball constantly in his hands. Of course, the best part of this deal for the Hornets would be the draft picks. By 2031, the Nuggets won’t be the same team, and that first-rounder will likely turn out to be extremely valuable.
Los Angeles Lakers
Potential Trade Scenario
Hornets Receive: Deandre Ayton (opt in), Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht, 2028 first-round pick
Lakers Receive: Miles Bridges
It’s no secret that the Lakers are looking for shooters this offseason, and Bridges can deliver that and so much more. While his career efficiency from three is low (33.8%), you have to imagine he’d shoot better off open looks from Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The real determining factor here, though, is LeBron James. The NBA legend is still waiting for a contract offer, and if he returns, it could force the Lakers to look for small-scale deals. If not, however, Miles makes for an ideal replacement, and they wouldn’t have to give up any of their core players.
The Hornets could get better offers for Bridges, but they could do a lot worse than a young sharpshooter, elite role players, and a former No. 1 overall pick on top of a future first. It simultaneously gives the Hornets shooting, depth, and size across multiple positions, turning Bridges into nearly a full lineup of guys under 30.
Detroit Pistons
Potential Trade Scenario
Hornets Receive: Duncan Robinson, Ron Holland II, Daniss Jenkins, 2030 first-round pick
Pistons Receive: Miles Bridges
The Pistons are another team that’s been active on the trade market, trading Isaiah Stewart in a cost-cutting move. So far, they have not made any notable upgrades, but there’s plenty of time to get something done. Assuming they prefer to keep both Cunningham and Jalen Duren, the Pistons could offer Duncan Robinson as the focal point of the trade. He’s arguably the most expendable starter, and he’s on the books for $15.9 million next season. If the Hornets accept, it would only make their rotation even more lethal by adding floor spacing and a consistent scoring threat in Bridges.
For Charlotte, the prize would be Duncan Robinson, one of the best three-point shooters in the league. For a group that just traded its top scorer, the Hornets could greatly benefit from Robinson’s skill set. That’s not to mention the potential contributions from Holland II and Daniss Jenkins, who both showed flashes of greatness on the Pistons.
