Some NBA teams can’t seem to get over the hump. We expect them to finish near the bottom of the league’s standings by now. Unfortunately, it’s a reality of being in the world’s most competitive basketball league.
Take the Charlotte Hornets. This team always seems to have some exciting young talent. Somehow, they keep losing anyway. The 2023-24 season has been no exception. The Hornets appear likely to miss the postseason.
At least they aren’t the Detroit Pistons. This team is on the longest losing streak in NBA history. The Pistons were also the worst team in the NBA last year. At some point, this franchise has to do something drastic.
Could they make a move for Miles Bridges of the Hornets?
NBA Trade Proposal: Detroit Pistons Land Charlotte Hornets’ Miles Bridges
Charlotte Hornets Receive: C James Wiseman, 2025 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – DET)
Detroit Pistons Receive: F Miles Bridges, G James Bouknight
That’s not the only similarity between the Hornets and the Pistons. Both of these teams are built around jumbo playmakers. Are the failures of each team an indictment of that archetype?
We don’t think so. The Pistons have not put a viable roster around Cade Cunningham. This team is too light on floor spacing. As a result, they aren’t built to take advantage of Cunningham’s floor vision.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons Updates
Meanwhile, Ball has simply struggled to stay healthy. That’s made life difficult on the Hornets. They’ve been closer to competitive than Detroit, but they can’t quite seem to put it together.
Should they trade Bridges?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Cultural concerns have plagued Charlotte as well. This team seems to have a penchant for collecting problematic personalities. Bridges has been one of them – so, a cultural reset is one of the benefits here.
With that said, taking a flyer on Wiseman makes sense as well. Sure, Mark Williams has been solid. Wiseman could compete with him for the long-term starting spot. Either way, the Hornets shouldn’t mind adding some depth at that position.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons Updates
Still, they mostly do this deal for the lightly protected first. The Hornets are gambling that Detroit will be a better team next year. If that gamble pays off, they could be landing a valuable pick just outside of the top 10 here.
Should the Pistons give up an opportunity to draft another talented player?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
The Pistons have drafted enough talented players. Now, they need to start shaping a roster. Detroit should be viewing Cunningham as their lead playmaker. It’s time to turn their focus towards surrounding him with good play finishers.
They don’t need to worry about culture, either. That’s a secondary concern that the Pistons can’t afford. This team needs talent. So, this deal is perfect. After all, Bridges is talented.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons Updates
He’s also a play finisher. Bridges is a hyper-athletic cutter who can also space the floor. He should be on the receiving end of plenty of Cunningham’s assists. If that pair develops enough chemistry, who knows? The Pistons may finally get over the hump.
