BREAKING: Miles Bridges To Return To NBA

Charlotte Hornets former rising star Miles Bridges--who missed all of last season after facing felony assault charges last summer--has taken the next step towards a return to the NBA, as he's set to sign a $7.9M qualifying offer from the Hornets for the coming season. 

ESPN Sources: Charlotte Hornets restricted free agent F Miles Bridges is preparing to sign a $7.9 million qualifying offer for the 2023-2024 season, clearing the way for him to become unrestricted next summer. Hornets and Bridges are far apart in extension talks. Story soon. pic.twitter.com/1uf2uh3uxQ

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2,

Bridges would then become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and he also has the ability to veto any trade during the 2023-24 season. NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski says that the Hornets and Bridges are "far apart" in contract talks.  

Bridges has 10 games left in a 30-game suspension levied by the NBA after pleading no contest to a felony domestic violence charge in November. Two other charges were dismissed as part of the plea deal.

Bridges last played in the 2021-22 season, when he broke through with a career year for the Hornets, averaging 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists. 

Photo: © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports