The Charlotte Hornets are receiving “a ton” of interest in trade talks for Miles Bridges, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Charlotte is now shopping Bridges’ $22.8 million expiring contract after acquiring Naz Reid from the Minnesota Timberwolves and planning to move Reid into the starting lineup.
The Hornets’ decision comes shortly after the blockbuster trade that sent LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota. Charlotte received Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029 and 2030), and three second-round picks in the deal.
Reid’s arrival changed the frontcourt equation for Charlotte. The 26-year-old big man averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 77 games last season while finishing fourth in Sixth Man of the Year voting. His ability to score inside and stretch the floor gives the Hornets a different offensive option alongside their young core.
Bridges, 28, had been one of Charlotte’s most reliable veterans during the 2025-26 season. He started all 77 games, averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 31 minutes per game. He shot 46.0% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range and 82.2% from the free-throw line.
The forward’s contract situation makes him especially appealing on the trade market. Bridges is entering the final year of his deal, meaning teams could acquire a productive scorer without taking on long-term salary commitments. Charlotte’s willingness to explore a deal suggests the franchise is prioritizing flexibility after adding future draft assets.
The Hornets already have several young forwards in place. Brandon Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 38.3% from three, while rookie Kon Knueppel posted 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists with a 42.5% three-point shooting mark. Both players are expected to remain central parts of Charlotte’s future.
Charlotte finished the 2025-26 season with a 44-38 record and earned a Play-In Tournament spot. The team’s next roster decisions will determine whether it tries to build around its current young group or continues turning veterans into assets.
