Former Michigan State Star Miles Bridges Hinting At NBA Return
It's been a long road back, but it looks like Miles Bridges may be on his way to returning to the NBA. The former Michigan State basketball star missed all of the 2022-2023 NBA season after he allegedly assaulted his wife in front of their children last spring.
Over the weekend, Bridges shared a screenshot on Snapchat of himself having a video call with Michael Jordan. Obviously, any face time with His Airness is a big deal, but it's especially big for Bridges given that Jordan owns the Charlotte Hornets, the last team Bridges played for.
Bridges put together his best year as a pro in 2021-2022. He averaged 20.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over 80 starts. That performance had him primed for a massive payday as he entered free agency last summer. Some reported that Bridges would command a max contract in the neighborhood of five years and $170 million.
In May 2022, Bridges' wife alleged he physically assaulted her in front of their two young children. Two months later, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged Bridges with three felony counts.
In November, Bridges pleaded no contest to one felony domestic violence charge. He avoided any jail time in his sentence, per an agreement reached with prosecutors, while being sentenced to three years of probation.
The Hornets were reportedly beginning contract negotiations with Bridges in December, but the team later denied that.
In April, the NBA officially suspended Bridges 30 games for the domestic violence incident. The league announced it would give him credit for having already served 20 of those games, meaning he will have to sit out his first 10 games once he officially signs and is back in the NBA.
Bridges is a restricted free agent, which means the Hornets have the right to match any offer he receives from another team.
Free agents may begin negotiating contracts with teams on June 30. NBA free agency officially begins on July 6, when players can actually sign contracts.