Bridges Staying In Charlotte
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges has made a decisive move amid trade rumors, notifying the team that he intends to stay put beyond the trade deadline. Agent Rich Paul confirmed to ESPN that Bridges will exercise his trade veto power, preserving his position with the Hornets for now.
With this decision, Bridges secures his Bird Rights with the team until the summer, ensuring his free agency flexibility. This strategic move leaves the door open for potential long-term negotiations with the Hornets or the possibility of a sign-and-trade deal in the future.
Despite speculation and interest from contenders like the Phoenix Suns, Bridges’ standout performances this season, including two impressive 40-point games, solidify his value to the Hornets. His recent achievement of back-to-back 40-point games further cements his place among the franchise’s elite scorers, alongside the likes of Glen Rice, Kemba Walker, and Terry Rozier.
Kelly Olynyk Traded
Reports from insiders reveal that the Toronto Raptors have completed a trade, acquiring versatile big man Kelly Olynyk from the Utah Jazz. In exchange, the Raptors are sending Kira Lewis, Otto Porter, and a 2024 first-round pick to Utah. Additionally, Ochai Agbaji is part of the deal, joining Toronto’s roster in this transaction.
Olynyk, who started the 2022-23 season alongside Lauri Markkanen and occasionally Walker Kessler, transitioned to a bench role following the arrival of John Collins. Despite this shift, Olynyk maintained his reputation as one of the league’s most efficient floor-spacing big men. Notably, his offensive rebounding and assist numbers have seen improvement, with the Jazz utilizing him as a facilitator at the top of the key. With his skill set, Olynyk offers valuable offensive contributions and versatility, making him a valuable asset as a third big for any team.
Currently, Olynyk is averaging 8.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game across 50 appearances. The Jazz hold a record of 26-26, while the Raptors stand at 18-33 as of Thursday.
