NBA: 5 most interesting free agents to monitor this offseason

NBA free agent No. 5: Miles Bridges

Miles Bridges is coming off his best season as a pro, averaging 20.2 points, seven rebounds, and 3.8 assists per night while shooting 33.1% from downtown. It seems that last year was an anomaly in terms of shooting the ball, as he shot 40% from the perimeter, but Bridges improved every other aspect of his game.

He became one of the most dangerous and efficient finishers at the rim, shooting 72.4% on shots at the rim. He also improved as a playmaker, acting as a secondary passer to LaMelo Ball on one of the league’s best offenses.

If the Charlotte Hornets want to keep their young core intact and shoot for more than just the play-in, they should undoubtedly re-sign Bridges to a max extension. That number is set to be a five-year, $173 million deal.

As a restricted free agent, other teams can sign an offer sheet for Bridges, with the Hornets being granted the opportunity to match any number. If they want to keep the Michigan State product, they’ll have to sign him to a max, as other teams are surely willing to (Portland).

Without Bridges, the Charlotte roster looks entirely different. A backcourt of Ball and Terry Rozier is one to build around, but what else is there? Gordon Hayward can’t stay on the floor, Mason Plumlee isn’t the long-term solution at center, and James Bouknight wasn’t given an opportunity to make a difference at all this season.

They need serious upgrades on defense if they want to be considered a legitimate team, and losing your best wing defender, playmaker, and ball-handler would be a massive step back in the Hornets’ development. At the same time, Bridges would be a massive addition to practically any team in the league.