The call to trade Miles Bridges has grown louder this year, but the Charlotte Hornets have continued to resist the overtures. Staying put for now has turned out to be the right move, whether fans would like to admit it or not.
Bridges has still displayed some incredible value to the team for his ability to stay on the court. He has yet to miss a game this season, making him, Kon Knueppel, and Sion James the only Hornets players to do so.
He has also been productive this season, as he is the only guy on the squad to average more than 20 points per contest. On top of that, he has also chipped in 6.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
There have also been matches where Bridges has been key to Charlotte's victories. For instance, his double-double effort (20 points and 10 rebounds) and ability to facilitate the offense (six assists) helped the team upset the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road. He was the perfect third wheel to Knueppel, who turned in an efficient 29 points, and Brandon Miller.
Miles Bridges still not out of the woods trade-wise
If it isn't clear already, the 27-year-old veteran just isn't built to be a go-to guy on a contender. Even his role as a starting power forward has been called into question, as he doesn't have the length, IQ, and discipline to at least be serviceable on the defensive end at the position.
On offense, some have described his sometimes explosive production as empty stats because the Hornets have a worse offensive rating when he is on the floor.
However, when Charlotte uses Bridges as a complementary piece rather than a linchpin, he has been much more valuable. That does not mean, though, that his long-term spot on the roster is secured.
The Hornets did right in holding out from trading him because his worth is not where they probably hope it can be. It's tough to envision other squads offering a first-round pick, even a protected one, to acquire Bridges. But if he continues to perform well, improves his efficiency, and proves he can restrain from trying to play hero-ball, especially when there are better options around him, he could provide the franchise with even more assets in a trade.
Of course, it's also likely that the Hornets choose to retain him beyond this season's trade deadline. It wouldn't even be shocking if that turns out to be the case, and only time will tell if that would be the right move or not. What they have done well so far has been staying patient with Bridges and not sending him elsewhere just for the sake of it and then ending up with a meager return.