NBA Rumors: Execs Feel Miles Bridges Is In For A Massive Payday

As a restricted free agent, the Charlotte Hornets breakout forward Miles Bridges is looking to cash in big-time this offseason. And according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, he should have no problem doing so.

 Four NBA executives told me he could earn $25 million annually or more in free agency. If there becomes a bidding war for Bridges, he could get a max contract. 

"He’s 23 years old and a big wing. Those guys are so rare," Scotto quoted one exec as saying. "He’s got leverage now," said another. "The teams that have room are teams that’ll have interest in Miles. (Agent) Rich Paul can figure out a team to give him an offer that Charlotte would have to match.”

NBA executives believe Miles Bridges will receive $25M or more in his next contract, or even get a max contract in free agency if a bidding war starts.

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One team that was mentioned as a possible suitor is the Portland Trail Blazers. "If Portland can’t trade for Jerami Grant, they’ll probably look in Bridges’ direction," said another executive. "These teams with cap space that are debating where to spend money would probably go for a young wing. They’re hard guys to get. I think he’s getting $25 million to the max annually.”

We reported last month that Bridges will likely be looking for the max contract—5 years, $173M—and Scotto says according to his sources the bidding for Bridges could get so intense, that he could very well get it.

Looks like Bridges made a sound business decision last offseason, when he turned down the Hornets' offer of a 4-year, $60M extension. A $100M+ sound decision. 

The 23-year-old Charlotte forward was fuming before the season began, as he watched the Phoenix Suns hand his older brother Mikal a 4-year, $90M extension. That just served as fuel for Miles' fire, as he went out and boosted his offense by 8 points a game, to 20.2 points, while forming a formidable one-two punch with LaMelo Ball. 

Now, if the Hornets are interested in keeping that tandem together, they'll be forced to match a very expensive offer sheet. 

Photo Credit:  Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports