The Cleveland Cavaliers have a small forward-sized hole in their starting lineup to fill if they were to take the next step into becoming serious contenders. Isaac Okoro does not provide nearly enough two-way impact to warrant a starting spot, while Caris LeVert’s skillset isn’t exactly what the Cavs need from the position given Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell’s playstyles. And it certainly seems like the Cavs front office is taking steps to rectify this situation.
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavs are reportedly interested in signing Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges off restricted free agency. Bridges, as one would recall, missed the entirety of the 2022-23 season due to off-court issues. Given the said off-court issues, the NBA suspended the Hornets forward for 30 games (20 already served), which would force him to miss at least the first 10 games of the 2023-24 campaign.
Given the Hornets’ ability to match whatever offer sheet Bridges ends up signing, the Cavs fear that they may not have enough available money to offer that would deter them from re-signing the embattled 25-year old forward.
Nevertheless, signing Miles Bridges isn’t as simple as putting pen to paper for the Cavs, given his checkered past. But disregarding all the baggage Bridges brings, his upside is certainly enticing for the Cavs. During the 2020-21 season, Bridges averaged 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game on efficient shooting splits — and it’s his ability to leverage his threat off the ball that could make the lives of the Cavs’ playmakers that much easier.