Hornets' Miles Bridges bets on himself by accepting qualifying offer

By accepting the qualifying offer, Bridges will become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Bridges' decision to take a lower salary for the upcoming season is likely indicative of a lack of interest in his services from around the NBA. 

Bridges missed the entirety of the 2022-23 NBA season due to off-court legal issues but will now be returning to the NBA. However, the nature of Bridges' legal issues will certainly have teams operating with an air of caution. Even Charlotte's fanbase is split on the notion of the explosive guard returning, despite their team being in dire need of additional offense. 

Bridges is sending a message that he trusts himself to rebuild his value around the NBA. Before missing last season, the Hornets guard was widely expected to sign a contract in the $20M AAV range. During Charlotte's 2021-22 season, Bridges averaged 20.2 points, seven rebounds and 3.8 assists, shooting 59% from two-point range and 33.1% from three-point range.

Last season, the Hornets ranked last in the NBA for offensive rating. Bringing Bridges back into the rotation will work wonders for Charlotte's potency on the offensive side of the ball. The 25-year-old will also provide some solid defensive rebounding, too. With Bridges likely to walk back into a starting spot on Charlotte's roster and resume his partnership with LaMelo Ball, the embattled guard could quickly emerge as a hot commodity heading into 2024. 

Bridges is banking on himself and on the Hornets, who are giving him the opportunity to prove he's still at the level he was before missing an entire season. Charlotte needs Bridges to improve their offense, so they can compete for a play-in tournament spot. Both sides need each other. 

Whether or not Bridges' long-term future resides with the Hornets is a question for a different day. For now, the Hornets get a steal of a one-year contract, and Bridges gets a chance to prove he can still be an elite shooting guard. Both sides can win, they've just got to stick together.