The Clippers are interested in signing unrestricted free agent forward Miles Bridges, according to a person familiar with the matter but not authorized to speak publicly.
A sign-and-trade deal would likely be required in which the Clippers would send a draft pick to Charlotte to acquire Bridges, who averaged 21 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 46.2 percent from the field last season with the Hornets. Names being mentioned as possible partners include Norman Powell, who is making $19.2 million, and Terrance Mann, who is making $11.5 million.
The Clippers recently traded All-Star forward Paul George to Philadelphia on a four-year, $212 million contract, so adding the 6-foot-7 Bridges would be a boost for the team.
Bridges, 26, has had his fair share of obstacles to overcome.
Bridges missed the entire 2022-23 season as a result of an alleged domestic violence incident from June 2022. Bridges was accused of assaulting the mother of his children in front of their children in Los Angeles.
Bridges was also charged with violating a domestic violence protective order, misdemeanor child abuse and three counts of criminal damage to personal property on Oct. 6, 2023, but the charges were dropped due to “insufficient evidence.”
read more: Clippers hope roster remains competitive after Paul George’s departure
A person close to Bridges said the Clippers were a good fit for him because of owner Steve Ballmer’s willingness to give players second chances and that Bridges has learned from his mistakes.
The person said the Clippers had just agreed to a two-year contract with guard Kevin Porter Jr., who was arrested on Sept. 11 last year at a New York City hotel for allegedly assaulting a female companion.
The Houston Rockets banned Porter from team-related activities. The Rockets traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who waived him. Porter spent last season in Greece.
The source also said Bridges respects Clippers coach Tyronn Lue and would like to play under him.
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This article originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
