The Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in signing power forward Miles Bridges, according to NBA insider Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com.
Bridges received a $7.9 million qualifying offer from the Charlotte Hornets, so he’s a restricted free agent. The Michigan State product didn’t play at all this past season following a domestic violence arrest on June 27, 2022.
“Sources say the Cavs are interested in Bridges — even though they don’t have nearly enough money to sign him,” Fedor wrote. “At least, that’s the way one source close to the situation put it. Bridges received a $7.9 million qualifying offer from the Charlotte Hornets, giving them the right to match any offer sheet he receives. Even after using the No. 2 overall pick on Brandon Miller, it would likely take a lucrative offer for the Hornets to balk. They would match the midlevel in an instant and sources say the Bridges camp (he is represented by Klutch Sports) is expecting a much higher per-year salary.”
The NBA conducted its own independent investigation of the Bridges allegations and announced in April that the Flint native would be suspended 30 games without pay. The league determined 20 of those games were “already served,” so Bridges will miss the first 10 games of the 2023-24 season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
Bridges pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and pleaded no contest to a charge of domestic violence toward a spouse or other cohabitant in a plea agreement. He served no jail time and was ordered to undergo domestic violence counseling and parenting classes while conducting 100 hours of community service.
Bridges has career averages of 13.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting 47.3% from the field, 34.6% from beyond the arc and 80.9% from the free-throw line. He was the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets & Cleveland Cavaliers Updates
If the Cavaliers sign Bridges to an offer sheet, the Hornets would have 48 hours to match it or let Bridges walk. It will be interesting to see where the 25-year-old is playing next season.
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