Charlotte Hornets Could Lose Some Sting If Young Swingman Seeks Bigger Pay

Charlotte -- Miles Bridges of the Charlotte Hornets is undoubtedly one of the promising young stars in the NBA, but there is a possibility he could move elsewhere somewhere down the road.

That may unfortunately happen as early as this summer if money gets in the way.

After declining a four-year, $60 million contract extension last season, the 24-year-old forward is expected to ask for a bigger salary this summer.

With that on the table, it appears Charlotte is allegedly unlikely to give in to Bridges’ demands.

Unnamed NBA executives expect Bridges to seek a maximum or near-maximum pay in July.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the 6-foot-7 cager is expected to be dangled with offer sheets--ones that will likely be astronomical.

Bridges could ask for as much as $131 million over four years this summer.

He is a restricted free agent, meaning Charlotte could easily choose to match it. Unfortunately, the chances of that happening do not appear promising.

Should this happen, the Hornets would be left in a spot.

Even with Bridges off the books, Charlotte may not have enough resources to replace him with a player of the same caliber.

Such a scenario is nothing new for the Hornets.

Most will recall how former Hornets player Kemba Walker was in the same situation in 2019 as the four-time All-Star ended up moving to the Boston Celtics.

After two seasons, he moved to the New York Knicks in what most know by now was an unforgettable stint.

But the move paid dividends for the Hornets. They made a good account of themselves in the post-Walker era with new rising stars such as LaMelo Ball and Bridges.

Hence, it is a bit déjà vu for the Hornets anew this summer.

However, losing a player who averaged 20.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 80 games may render a different consequence.

Bridges is still rough around the edges. But given time, he can polish some of his skills–particularly defense and his three-point shooting.