TITLE: Bridges Expresses Commitment to Hornets as Trade Rumors Swirl
SLUG: bridges-committed-to-hornets-amid-trade-talk
CONTENT:
Charlotte forward Miles Bridges said he wants to remain with the Hornets despite renewed trade speculation, speaking after Saturday’s win over the Washington Wizards.
“I would rather be here,” Bridges told reporters, adding that he focuses on games and trusts president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson to communicate if a deal emerges. Trade rumors have shadowed the 25-year-old every January, yet he emphasized that the chatter does not affect him.
Bridges is in the final season of a four-year contract worth $22.8 million annually, a figure executives regard as team-friendly. Selected by Charlotte in the 2018 draft, he said he is encouraged by the franchise’s direction and its young core. “I for sure want to be a part of it,” he said. “Everybody wants everybody to stay together.”
Brandon Miller’s Return Fuels Offense
Second-year wing Brandon Miller, considered virtually untouchable in trade discussions, has scored at least 20 points in six consecutive games since coming back from early-season injuries. “That’s the goal, to have everybody stay here,” Miller said, adding that players can only “control the controllables.”
Hornets on a Hot Streak
Charlotte improved to 18-28 with Saturday’s result. Over the last 10 games, the Hornets own the NBA’s top net rating, rank second in offensive rating at 121.4 and sixth in defensive rating at 109.5. The five-man group of Miller, Bridges, LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel and Moussa Diabate holds the league’s best plus-minus at +29.1.
Storm Alters Tipoff, Monday Game Still On
Saturday’s contest began at noon ET because of a severe storm forecast for the Charlotte area. Team officials are monitoring weather concerns that could impact Monday’s home matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers, but the game remains scheduled as planned. Philadelphia is set to fly to Charlotte immediately after its game against New York.
Source: Hoops Rumors
