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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 21: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers during their game at Spectrum Center on January 21, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets were hoping to make the playoffs this season. During the offseason, the Hornets acquired multiple veteran players as they tried to make a push to get playoff experience. It was a gamble that hasn’t worked out as they had hoped.
Right now, the Hornets sit 12th in the Eastern Conference standings. With that being the case, it’s pretty clear that the core players are not helping them go where they need to go. Miles Bridges has suddenly become a name that other teams are interested in.
Bridges is the longest-tenured Hornets player, as he has been with the franchise since 2018. If other teams want to make a trade for him, Charlotte isn’t going to give him away for a low price.
GettyCharlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges reacts on the court. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
The Hornets Want Multiple First-Round Picks for Miles Bridges
According to The Athletic, the Hornets are looking for at least two first-round picks in exchange for any trade involving Bridges. That doesn’t mean they are looking to give him up, however.
“As for Hornets that might be on the move, veteran forward Miles Bridges is drawing significant interest, league sources told The Athletic. The Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns are all known to be among the interested parties, though it remains to be seen if any team can compel the Hornets to give Bridges up”, Sam Amick wrote.
Bridges has seen his stats go down across the board with the addition of Kon Knueppel to the lineup. Still, Charlotte values him, and it would take a lot to let him go at this point. Charlotte has stuck close to Bridges, even when he had some off-the-court issues.
This does not mean that Bridges is out the door. Charlotte is likely not going to make the playoffs, so trading Bridges to get draft capital to help them build around Knueppel and LaMelo Ball wouldn’t be a bad move.
GettyCharlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges celebrates. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
The Hornets Will Likely be Sellers at the Trade Deadline
If the Hornets decide to make any moves, they will likely be sellers at the deadline. If they are not able to get the price they want for Bridges, they could stand pat. There doesn’t seem to be a sense of urgency with Charlotte after the way this season has started.
Charlotte is a very young team, so they are looking to build around Knueppel, Ball, and Brandon Miller. Those three players are the core of the team, unless Charlotte decides to trade Ball. That would be surprising, as he likely will stay with the team throughout this season.
Bridges hasn’t been able to elevate the team to become a serious playoff contender. If he ends up getting moved, it will be because Charlotte has gotten a great price for him. The Hornets still have an affinity for Bridges inside the locker room, as he is a good teammate.