Hornets Rumors: 3 Trade packages to land struggling Team USA star

#3 The Hornets get out in front of the Miles Bridges condundrum

This is the only trade where part of the starting five I mentioned earlier would need to be used as part of the trade, although, it could be a necessary evil.

Miles Bridges opted into his qualifying offer this summer, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024. If Bridges proves that his one-year absence hasn’t resulted in him losing a step, he could field some significant offers next summer, and the Hornets could lose him for nothing. Conversley, the Hornets front office could be forced into a bidding war to keep their star forward, which could hamstring the rebuilding efforts long-term.

As such, finding a way to maximize a return on Bridges may be the smart play. After opting into his deal, Bridges can’t be traded until September 30. Trade talks are never quick, and with Ingram currently away with Team USA, the trade restriction will likely be lifted before any potential trade talks reach fever pitch.

Adding Rozier to the deal give the Pelicans the ball-handling they require, while Cody Martin is there to make the salaries work. Ingram heads to the Pelicans, where he can help slot into Bridges roll, while providing some additional floor spacing. The Hornets also get an extra year of salary control before having to make a deicison regarding the future of one of their best players.