Jazz Linked to Hornets F Miles Bridges Per Insider
With the NBA trade deadline less than two weeks away, the rumors surrounding the Utah Jazz continue to trickle in. The latest comes from NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, who claims that Utah has inquired about Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges' availability.
“The Jazz are also one of several teams who’ve called on Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges, league sources told Yahoo Sports, along with Detroit and Phoenix. Bridges would have to be consulted prior to any deal, as he received a no-trade clause when he signed a qualifying offer from Charlotte. While there was originally league-wide skepticism that the Hornets would be able to retain Bridges this summer, Charlotte’s newfound flexibility, creating as much as $45 million in upcoming cap space by dealing Rozier, could push an interested team in trading for him now, as opposed to leaving Bridges available to re-sign with the only NBA club he’s known.”
Bridges would certainly be an upgrade in a position that may be Utah’s biggest need. The Jazz are currently starting Simone Fontecchio at the small forward position. The second-year Jazzman has played well this year, but is a downgrade from what Bridges can bring to the table. Also, Fontecchio will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
However, if Utah does trade for Bridges, it does come with some baggage. Bridges pled no contest to the felony charge of injuring a child's parent; Bridges was sentenced to three years of probation and no jail time.
Despite a checkered past, Bridges won’t be cheap, either. He’s currently averaging 20.8 points while also hauling in 7.1 rebounds. Bridges can play multiple positions, is known for playing unselfishly, and has a 6-foot-9 inch wing span. Teaming up with Lauri Markkanen would make Utah's frontcourt one of the best in the league.
The Hornets are in the process of a potential fire sale and may want to start from scratch. Terry Rozier was just traded to the Miami Heat, and ex-Jazzman Gordon Hayward appears to be on the trade block, too. It feels like it's not a matter of whether Bridges gets traded prior to the deadline but what team it will be.
The trade deadline is on February 8.
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