Hornets News: Miles Bridges Return on Shaky Ground as Former Top-5 Draft Pick Emerges as Sign-and-Trade Target

Despite having been linked to quite a few teams in the open market, Miles Bridges continues adrift. Selected by the Los Angeles Clippers as the 12th pick in 2018, he was subsequently traded to the Charlotte Hornets. And remained there to date. But now, Bridges has decided to test the free agency waters even as the Hornets have expressed their desire to retain him. A frontrunner to sign Bridges as per trade chatter was the Cleveland Cavaliers. They were linked to Miles last offseason when the 26-year-old was a restricted free agent.

Of course, nothing came out of it. But they have that chance now. Again, Charlotte isn't fully open to the idea. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski detailed how, if an agreement can be reached, will pan out. "Charlotte wants to bring him back. They've made him an offer, their new GM Jeff Peterson and their new coach Charles Lee spent time with him, and they're allowing him to go out in the marketplace. There are not teams necessarily with cap space for him. Charlotte would have to facilitate a sign and trade."

"If they could get value back for Bridges, they're willing to listen if there's a deal he'd like to take somewhere else. Charlotte would like to bring him back at a number, and a number of years, that they're comfortable with ... I think this is gonna be a negotiation, this one may play out a little bit into the month," Woj said.

However, considering the 6'7 forward has expressed his interest in sign-and-trade opportunities, the Hornets will have to wait until a favorable or beneficial option opens up.

One thing the Cavs do have as an advantage here is their restricted free agent, Isaac Okoro. Forbes Sports' Evan Sidery pointed out how he would be their best bit in landing a solid impact wing. "Keep an eye on Isaac Okoro as a sign-and-trade candidate where the Cavaliers can also secure a wing upgrade ... Okoro, the No. 5 overall pick from the 2020 draft, shot a career-best 39.1% on threes this season."

However, with Josh Green's move to Charlotte, Okoro's fit on their roster can be somewhat debatable. But looking at the larger picture, meaning their struggle in perimeter defense, the 6'5 small forward could come in handy. But just how much of this is realistic?

Trade scenario involving Miles Bridges and the Cavs Although Miles Bridges is an unrestricted free agent, the Hornets do own his Bird Rights. Hence, as ESPN's Bobby Marks pointed out, they could very well retain "Bridges on a contract to their liking." But in the scenario that the Hornets do renounce Miles' cap hold, "Bridges loses a lot of value and certainly, Charlotte loses a trade asset." In short, it's complicated.

But, can Cleveland benefit from getting Miles Bridges on their team? He would certainly be a good fit for Coach Atkinson's offense. The former Spartan averaged 21.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 47% from the floor and over 34% from downtown last season. The team has needed someone to fill as a legit-wing player at SF for years with Caris LeVert and Max Strus filing in. Banking on his steady production and positional versatility, it will help the Cavs stand out in an already loaded-up East Coast.

However, a point of contention would be Bridges' serious legal troubles off the court. Every team has a culture of its own and how the former McDonald's All-American would fit into Cleveland's is something the front office would have to strongly consider.

What are your thoughts on Miles' fit with the Cleveland Cavaliers? Let us know in the comments below.