The Clippers have interest in signing free-agent forward Miles Bridges, according to people with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly.
It probably would take a sign-and-trade deal in which the Clippers send a draft pick to Charlotte for Bridges, who averaged 21 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 46.2% from the field last season for the Hornets. Players who have been discussed for a possible deal include sixth man Norman Powell, who makes $19.2 million, and swingman Terance Mann, who makes $11.5 million.
Acquiring the 6-foot-7 Bridges would be a big move for the Clippers after they lost All-Star forward Paul George to Philadelphia on a four-year, $212-million deal. However, Bridges, 26, has had legal issues. He sat out all of the 2022-23 season after being accused of assaulting the mother of his children in front of them in Los Angeles, and also faced three charges for an alleged violation of a domestic violence protection order on Oct. 6, misdemeanor child abuse and injury to personal property, but the charges were dropped because of insufficient evidence.
Read more: Clippers hope to remain competitive with roster in wake of losing Paul George
People close to Bridges said that after seeing how Clippers owner Steve Ballmer has been willing to give players second chances, the team would be a great fit for him and that Bridges has learned from his mistakes. One person pointed out how the Clippers just agreed to a two-year deal with guard Kevin Porter Jr., who was arrested last Sept. 11 for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend at a New York City hotel. The Houston Rockets banned Porter from team activities and traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who waived him. Porter spent last season in Greece and now the former USC standout is back in the NBA and still just 24.
Also, the person said, Bridges respects Clippers coach Tyronn Lue and would love to play for him.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
