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Discussions between Miles Bridges and the Hornets regarding a new contract have reportedly moved forward, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Bridges, a restricted free agent, remains under investigation by the NBA for the domestic violence case that occurred in the offseason. According to Wojnarowski, if Bridges and the Hornets can come to an agreement quickly, he could begin any suspension sooner.
The length of a possible suspension is still unknown, if that is the punishment he receives.
In November, Bridges avoided prison time after he pleaded no contest to a charge of domestic violence and received three years of probation as part of a deal with prosecutors. Bridges allegedly attacked his ex-girlfriend in front of their two children in May. In June, Los Angeles police arrested Bridges, and he was released on $130,000 bail.
In July, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon filed three charges — one count of injuring a child’s parent and two counts of assault under circumstances or conditions likely to result in great bodily harm or death — against Bridges, who originally pleaded not guilty to all. three.
After appearing in court last month, Bridges pleaded no contest to the charge of injuring a child’s parent, and the other two charges were dropped as part of the deal. Bridges’ three-year probation will require him to attend 52 weeks of domestic violence counseling and 52 weeks of parenting classes, serve 100 hours of community service and pass weekly drug testing that allows the use of marijuana only with a doctor’s prescription.
In addition, according to ESPN, Bridges will not have a permit to possess guns, ammunition or dangerous weapons. He will also be ordered to pay $300 in restitution and a $500 domestic violence fine and abide by the agreement of a 10-year protective order, which requires Bridges to refrain from contact with the woman and stay at least 100 feet away from her.
If the Hornets and Bridges are unable to agree to terms, he will remain a restricted free agent through the summer of 2023 for teams looking to add a wing to their roster.
Bridges was a first-round draft pick of the Hornets in 2018 and spent his first four seasons with Charlotte. The forward and his representatives have continued to discuss a plan with the franchise for the young player to work with domestic violence groups and community groups in Charlotte, according to ESPN.
