Miles Bridges was a highly sought-after trade candidate, but he’s decided to stay with the Charlotte Hornets by refusing any trades before the upcoming NBA deadline, his agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN.
Possessing the power to veto trades under his current one-year, $8 million contract, Bridges’ choice preserves the Hornets’ ability to maintain his Bird Rights into the off-season, setting him up for unrestricted free agency.
Bridges was asked about the possibilities that may come with the trade deadline. He remained focused on making an impact for the Hornets in their upcoming matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
“Just control what I can control. Just try to get the next day,” Bridges said on Wednesday when asked about the trade deadline. “We have Milwaukee next — I’m just worried about Milwaukee right now. I’m not worried about anything else.”
Does he still want to stay with the Hornets?
“Yeah, my answer doesn’t change,” Bridges said. “I’d love to be here. I got drafted here and they stuck with me during my lowest team, so I’d love to be here.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns Updates
This strategic move allows the Hornets to secure Bridges with a long-term contract or facilitate a sign-and-trade deal. If Bridges had consented to a trade now, he would have forfeited his Bird Rights, constraining his future free agency prospects.
In the lead-up to the trade deadline, the Hornets and Bridges explored various trade possibilities, with several top teams, including the Phoenix Suns, expressing interest in him.
Bridges have been performing exceptionally well this season, boasting an average of 21.9 points per game and achieving two 40-point games recently, with a career-high of 45 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns Updates
With these accomplishments, Bridges joins an elite group of Hornets players, including Glen Rice, Kemba Walker, and Terry Rozier, who have scored 40 points in consecutive games.
