Ahead of the 2022 NBA free agency period, it already seems that many of the top available players are already off of the market. Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges will undoubtedly be among the top names to watch.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, though, the Hornets do not plan on offering him a max right away, and Bridges will have to find his max offer in free agency The Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers are reportedly among his top suitors, and Detroit, in particular, could reach max cap space quite easily.
At the least, they could make it interesting for Hornets owner Michael Jordan by throwing a huge offer at Bridges and seeing if the Hornets are willing to match.
What about the rest of free agency? Bradley Beal is expected to decline his player option only to sign a new max deal with the Washington Wizards. The Chicago Bulls are anticipating to re-up with impending mercenary All-Star Zach LaVine as soon as they’re eligible too, as well.
LATEST NBA FREE AGENCY NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers ‘Top Threat’ To Sign Charlotte Hornets’ Miles Bridges
Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and the Brooklyn Nets had NBA Twitter in a frenzy for about 48 hours before Irving ultimately announced that he plans on accepting his $36 million player option to play at least one more season in New York. As such, interest in the free agency class has now shifted to the restricted free agents, young players seeking a huge payday for their next deal.
Deandre Ayton will be a name to watch, as the Phoenix Suns have shown that they’re unwilling to sign him to a max contract. Originally thought to have plenty of suitors this summer, most of his logical landing places addressed their need at center in free agency.
LATEST NBA FREE AGENCY NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Indiana Pacers ‘Top Threat’ To Sign Charlotte Hornets’ Miles Bridges
Now, he’ll enter restricted free agency and the Suns will have the ability to match any contract offer he receives — that is, unless he and Phoenix find a sign-and-trade partner for him first.
Aside from Ayton, Miles Bridges is the most intriguing restricted free agent available this offseason. After a breakout year in 2021-2022, it was originally anticipated that he’d be an easy decision for the Charlotte Hornets, whom pundits expected would be more than willing to give him a max deal.
