The Los Angeles Clippers are interested in acquiring unrestricted free-agent forward Miles Bridges from the Charlotte Hornets, according to sources. A sign-and-trade deal is believed necessary to obtain Bridges, who had an impressive season with the Hornets.
Possible trade options that have been discussed include forward Norman Powell, who makes $19.2 million, and guard Terance Mann, who makes $11.5 million. Acquiring the 6-foot-7 Bridges would be seen as an upgrade for the Clippers following the departure of All-Star forward Paul George to the Philadelphia 76ers on a significant deal.
Bridges, who is 26 years old, has faced challenges in the past, including sitting out an entire season due to an alleged domestic violence case in 2022. However, charges against him were eventually dropped due to insufficient evidence. People close to Bridges believe that the Clippers under owner Steve Ballmer would be a good fit for him given their willingness to give players second chances.
The Clippers recently signed guard Kevin Porter Jr., despite his legal issues in the past. Porter was arrested last year for assaulting a female companion but has since signed with the team. Bridges is said to have respect for Clippers coach Tyronn Lue and would welcome the opportunity to play for him if a trade deal can be struck between his current team and the Clippers.
