The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns are among the teams showing trade interest in Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges, according to Evan Sidery. Bridges is extension-eligible this summer, but Charlotte has reportedly shown no interest in another long-term agreement, putting the 28-year-old veteran on the trade market.
The Hornets are receiving “a ton” of interest in Bridges, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, as the franchise continues reshaping its roster after trading LaMelo Ball to Minnesota. Charlotte acquired Naz Reid, an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps and three second-round picks in that deal, creating more flexibility for a longer-term rebuild.
Reid’s arrival changed Charlotte’s frontcourt plans. The 26-year-old big man averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 77 games last season and finished fourth in Sixth Man of the Year voting. His ability to space the floor and score as a big has given the Hornets a reason to explore moving Bridges, whose $22.8 million expiring contract is now a valuable trade asset.
Bridges remained one of Charlotte’s most productive players during the 2025-26 season. He started all 77 games, averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 31 minutes per game while shooting 46.0% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range and 82.2% from the free-throw line.
For the Lakers, Bridges would add another physical wing scorer around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Los Angeles finished the regular season 53-29 and reached the Western Conference semifinals before being swept by Oklahoma City.
The Lakers already have several capable forwards, but Bridges would provide another downhill attacker and secondary creator. Rui Hachimura averaged 11.5 points while shooting 44.3% from three, while the team’s wing depth was tested during its playoff run.
Phoenix also has a reason to pursue Bridges after finishing 45-37 and reaching the Play-In Tournament. The Suns were eliminated in the first round by Oklahoma City, losing the series 4-0. Devin Booker led the team with 26.1 points and 6.0 assists per game, while Dillon Brooks averaged 20.2 points but shot 43.5% from the field.
Bridges would fit Phoenix’s need for another two-way forward who can create offense outside of Booker. The Suns already added scoring wings around their core, but Bridges’ size, rebounding and ability to attack closeouts would give them another versatile option.
Charlotte’s decision comes as the Hornets balance competitiveness with a younger timeline. Brandon Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 38.3% from three, and rookie Kon Knueppel averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists with a 42.5% three-point mark.
After finishing 44-38 and earning a Play-In spot, the Hornets appear willing to convert Bridges’ expiring deal into future assets. With the Lakers and Suns among the interested teams, the market for one of the league’s more productive available forwards could develop quickly.
