Tuesday, Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported on The Stein Line that the Charlotte Hornets are expected to make Miles Bridges available for trade this offseason.
The NBA insiders note that Bridges was previously a trade candidate at February's deadline, but could receive even more trade interest now that his salary has descended to $22.8 million for next season due to his front-loaded contract. Not to mention, it's generally easier to make trades in the offseason as teams have much more roster and financial flexibility.
Bridges doesn't come without his off-court issues, but in terms of his on-court fit, he'd be a great addition for the Portland Trail Blazers. He's quietly had a productive career in Charlotte, averaging 15.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 46/34/83 shooting splits through seven seasons.
Blazers should target Miles Bridges for much-needed forward depth
While his average three-point efficiency wouldn't help address Portland's lack of reliable floor spacers, Bridges would be a great depth addition for a team in need of more frontcourt options.
At 6-foot-7, he's the ideal modern-day forward, given his positional versatility. That aligns well with the roster general manager Joe Cronin has constructed in Portland. Given the existing versatility of two-way wings Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara, Portland would have a lot of different lineup options with Bridges in the picture. They could play all three together, using Avdija more as a point forward to create mismatches. Or they could even go small ball, effectively switching everything out on the perimeter.
That positional flexibility of Avdija and Camara has been an underutilized strength in Portland's building blocks, in part because they lack the complementary pieces. Having someone like Bridges to take the minutes of more one-dimensional players like Jerami Grant, Kris Murray, Sidy Cissoko, etc., would do wonders for Portland playing to its strengths.
He could also be a potential replacement for Grant, given that the Blazers should look to move his massive contract this summer. Bridges is in on an expiring deal, while Grant is owed $34.2 million next season with a $36.4 million player option for 2027-28. That financial improvement could help Portland retain its current young core, especially when it comes to renegotiating and extending Avdija.
As with any trade candidate, it ultimately depends on the asking price. But the fact that Bridges is expected to be available this summer is exciting news for Portland. Cronin needs to be working the phones with Charlotte this summer to see if he can land some much-needed frontcourt depth.
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