Report: Warriors Targeting High-Scoring 6'7" Wing via Trade

The Golden State Warriors look lifeless after Jimmy Butler's season-ending torn ACL. They could use a jolt of size, athleticism and scoring punch.

Someone like Miles Bridges can provide that.

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported Friday that the Warriors are among three teams known to be interested in the Hornets forward. The Bucks and Suns are the others. A source told Amick Charlotte's asking price.

“They want a first (round pick),” the source said. “Maybe two.”

Bridges is a 6'7" forward averaging 18.7 points on 44.3 percent shooting from the field and 33.2 percent from three. He's making $25 million this season and $22.8 million next season.

What a Bridges-to-Warriors Trade Would Look Like

The Warriors would likely offer Jonathan Kuminga and one first-round pick for Bridges.

That should be enough to land him.

Warriors get: Miles Bridges
Hornets get: Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, 2026 first-round pick (top-four-protected)

To make the money work, the Warriors would have to include one more player making above the minimum. Hield is currently playing his best basketball of the season, but he's the least needed of their players making at least $3 million, and getting off his contract now gives them more cap space in the offseason.

The Hornets get a 2026 first-round pick that should land somewhere between 13 and 17. That's great value for a wing who has made just 33.9 percent of his career three-point attempts.

Warriors in Dilemma at Trade Deadline

There's little doubt that the Warriors have to do something this trade deadline. They are desperate for a wing with some size and scoring ability, and Bridges provides both.

But do they really want to give up a 2026 first-round pick that's getting more valuable by the day to get someone like Bridges, who has never been a decent defender or shooter?

Of course, if the Hornets would accept a version of this trade without wanting a first-round pick in return, then it looks great. But that seems unlikely. Despite Bridges' faults, 6'7" wings averaging 20.2 points over the last three seasons don't grow on trees.

One nice thing about Bridges is he's under contract for just $22.8 million next season. The Warriors could sell this as a Band-Aid for this season AND an important piece to their team next season.

Until Butler returns, he'd probably start. When Butler returns, it's not clear if he'd start, but he'd continue to play consistent wing minutes.

I'm not sold that trading for Bridges is the right move. I'd want the wing I acquire to have more three-and-D to him. But the trade market is thin on wings, so it would be understandable if the Warriors made this deal.