We’re putting Miles Bridges back on the trade roulette wheel, as the Hornets face a critical pivot point. At three years and $75 million, Bridges is priced like a marquee player, but Charlotte’s projections suggest that a reset might be more valuable than running it back. This isn’t a knock on Bridges; it’s more a sobering look at the Hornets’ roster structure. Outside of their young talent in Ball and Miller, Bridges may be the only true trade asset they have.
So, what could a Bridges trade actually look like? Let’s explore three potential deals that bring different flavors: shooting, size, and long-term upside.
Wings and Beef
Charlotte receives:
Tim Hardaway Jr. (1 year, $16M)
Isaiah Stewart (3 years, $45M)
Detroit receives:
Miles Bridges (3 years, $75M)
Josh Okogie (2 years, $16M)
This deal is all about balance. Hardaway Jr. plugs an immediate need on the perimeter. He’s a proven volume shooter who adds spacing alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. It's something the current roster sorely lacks. Stewart, meanwhile, brings what his nickname implies, which is 'Beef'.
The Hornets have been a finesse frontcourt for years, and Stewart’s physicality, rebounding, and no-nonsense approach would instantly reshape their identity down low. Add in the veteran presence Hardaway brings for locker-room glue, and you’ve got a practical, culture-forward package.
If Charlotte wants to toughen up while keeping their spacing intact, this is the kind of adult trade that could quietly work wonders.
The Utah Blueprint
Charlotte receives:
John Collins (1 year via sign-and-trade $26.5M)
Johnny Juzang (2 years, $5.9M)
Utah receives:
Miles Bridges (3 years, $75M)
Seth Curry (1 year, $1.9M)
This one hinges on Utah’s willingness to gamble on Bridges long-term. For Charlotte, it’s about upside and flexibility. Collins has underwhelmed in Utah but is still 27 and could slide into a Bridges-esque role. Juzang is the wild card. The former UCLA standout showed flashes last season, and with Charlotte’s developmental window wide open, he could blossom into a solid rotational scorer.
Final Take: Collins isn’t a downgrade from Bridges if used right, and Juzang adds a layer of intrigue. Low-to-medium reward and it might help the Hornets finally win some lobs above the rim.
Versatility and Value
Charlotte receives:
Brandon Clarke (3 years, $37.5M)
Santi Aldama (1 year, $3.9M - Restricted Free Agent) Would be able available on a sign a potential sign and trade could demand around 18-20 Mil per year
Memphis receives:
Miles Bridges (3 years, $75M)
Grant Williams (2 years, 27.8M)
This might be the most interesting long play. Clarke is recovering from injury, but when healthy, he’s a postseason-proven big with elite bounce and a knack for timely rebounds. Aldama, a 7-footer with stretch potential, gives Charlotte a floor-spacing big who can do a little of everything. This duo could anchor a revamped frontcourt and it's one that can switch, shoot, and scrap on defense.
It would take some finagling, as Aldama is a free agent who could command a salary in the $18-20 million range, likely requiring a third team to get involved either to absorb Grant Williams' contract or to help Memphis move another player. It’s a rare deal with both a high floor and high ceiling. If Clarke returns to form and Aldama continues his upward trajectory, this could be a true “win-now and win-later” swing.
Final Verdict
Each of these deals offers a different path forward for the Hornets. Want toughness and spacing? Call Detroit, Interested in a Collins revival tour? Ring up Utah. Prefer a versatile frontcourt refresh? Memphis might have what you need.
Whatever direction they choose, one thing is clear that it’s time to build a team that complements LaMelo Ball’s playmaking and Miller’s emerging stardom. Moving Miles Bridges might be the first step in that transformation.