The Charlotte Hornets shocked the NBA world when they reportedly traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, a day after the draft. And now, Miles Bridges, who is on a $22.8 million expiring contract, has also reportedly come up on the trade market.
After falling to the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament last season, the Hornets are looking to acquire assets to rebuild their roster around Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller.
NBA insider Evan Sidery reported on X on Thursday:
“The Hornets are also shopping Miles Bridges in trade talks as they look to further retool their roster around Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller.
Bridges is on a $22.8 million expiring contract.”
Knueppel was one of the league’s best rookies last season, and Miller was the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft.
Ball averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists, but his production significantly increased in the two play-in games, when he averaged 26.5 ppg. Injuries, however, have hampered Ball. He’s played 51 games or less in four of his six seasons.
Hornets seemingly look to change their core
The Hornets seem to be looking to make changes to their core after failing to make the playoffs since 2016. Given that the franchise has decided to trade Ball and is looking for options for Bridges, they may rebuild their roster around Miller and Knueppel.
Bridges has received a lot of attention from teams like the Golden State Warriors and the Milwaukee Bucks. While the Warriors are looking to strengthen their wing depth, the Bucks are rebuilding after trading their franchise face, Giannis Antetokounmpo, earlier this week.
Bridges averaged 17.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg and 3.2 apg in the 2025-26 season, shooting 33.3% from deep.
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