The Charlotte Hornets have a clear top trade candidate, but it's not who you think.
The Charlotte Hornets are just 7-17 on the season and will almost certainly try to sell off some pieces at the NBA trade deadline, and while LaMelo Ball may be the most prominent name, he actually isn't the Hornets' top trade candidate.
That title belongs to Miles Bridges.
Bridges is in the second year of a three-year, $75 million extension he signed with the Hornets, which really isn't a bad contract given his production. Especially not in today's explosive market.
The 27-year-old is averaging 21 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists over 34.7 minutes per game on 42.5/30.8/85.2 shooting splits this season.
Sure, the percentages aren't the best, but Bridges has never been known for his efficiency. Plus, Bridges owns a lifetime 45.9/33.8/82.9 slash line, so he has had better campaigns in the past.
Bridges also isn't the greatest defender in the world, but he has the size, strength and athleticism to defend multiple positions, and he isn't afraid to mix it up.
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges. Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images.There should absolutely be some contending teams in the market for Bridges between now and the February trade deadline. He is a Marcus Morris type of player who could serve as a microwave scorer for a team in need of some extra pop, and he would also bring some physicality to boot.
Ball, on the other hand, is much more complicated to move because of his contract and his injury history. The Hornets will have a very difficult time squeezing legitimate value out of Ball, whereas they should be able to get something in return for Bridges.
Would Charlotte bring in a king's ransom for Bridges? No, but he is easier to trade and could probably more easily slot into a role with a top-tier team. Ball would be much tougher to fit in somewhere.
It would be surprising if the Hornets didn't aggressively try to shop Bridges over the next couple of months, and to be quite frank, I'm actually rather surprised that Charlotte didn't try to trade him over the summer.
The Hornets definitely have some intriguing young talent on their roster, and Bridges almost certainly won't be a part of the future when Charlotte is finally ready to win.
Ergo, the Hornets should jettison Bridges now while he still has value.