BUZZ CITY SHOCKER!!

ESPN.com – NBA Front Page

By Almondoh Joi | Senior Insider Analyst

Published: July 21, 2025

SHOCK IN BUZZ CITY: Hornets Send Miles Bridges Packing in Massive Three-Team Deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The rumors were real. And now they’re realized.

In a move that has sent tremors through the NBA offseason, the Charlotte Hornets have finalized a stunning three-team trade that sends Miles Bridges to the Portland Trail Blazers, rookie sharpshooter Kon Knueppel and swingman Josh Green to the Memphis Grizzlies, and in return brings Donovan Clingan and Scottie Pippen Jr. to Charlotte.

Yes, you read that correctly. Miles Bridges is gone. And Hornets fans are reeling.

🚨

The Full Trade Breakdown:

📦 Charlotte Hornets receive:

• Donovan Clingan (from Memphis)

• Scottie Pippen Jr. (from Portland)

📦 Portland Trail Blazers receive:

• Miles Bridges (from Charlotte)

📦 Memphis Grizzlies receive:

• Kon Knueppel (2025 No. 15 overall pick, from Charlotte)

• Josh Green (from Charlotte)

💣

Why This Is a Bombshell

For weeks, there had been whispers that Charlotte was looking to move on from Miles Bridges, whose off-court history and contract uncertainty made him a volatile piece in the franchise’s rebuild. But few expected a deal of this magnitude — and certainly not one that would see the team deal three rotation pieces just weeks after the draft.

“They wanted a culture reset,” one league executive told ESPN. “This is about building around Brandon Miller, not trying to patch together something broken.”

🧠

Clingan: The Center of the Future?

Landing Donovan Clingan, the 7’2” Connecticut product, could prove to be the centerpiece of the deal. The Grizzlies had been high on Clingan since trading up to acquire him in 2024, but with the emergence of their small-ball system — and a logjam in the frontcourt — they made him available.

Charlotte pounced.

Clingan, just 21, averaged 11.4 PPG, 8.8 RPG, and 2.7 BPG last season and is already considered one of the league’s best young shot-blockers. Scouts view him as a potential cornerstone in the mold of Brook Lopez with Rudy Gobert’s verticality.

🧪

A New Backcourt Mix

Adding Scottie Pippen Jr. gives the Hornets another playmaker to test alongside Brandon Miller and Tre Mann. Pippen Jr. had a breakout Summer League campaign with Portland, and Charlotte’s front office reportedly views him as a high-IQ guard with untapped potential.

“He’s not his father,” one scout said, “but he’s got that same cerebral toughness.”

❌

Goodbye to Bridges Era

Miles Bridges leaves Charlotte after a rollercoaster tenure — one marked by soaring dunks, scoring outbursts, off-court headlines, and lingering friction with team direction. After averaging 19.2 points and 6.7 rebounds last season, many thought the Hornets might re-sign him.

Instead, they said goodbye.

This trade makes it clear: Charlotte is fully committing to its youth movement and culture shift.

💬

League Reaction: Mixed

ESPN’s NBA Today panel was split on the deal:

• Richard Jefferson: “Charlotte gave up too much. Bridges was their best scorer. This is risky.”

• Kendrick Perkins: “Clingan is a monster. He might anchor their defense for the next 10 years.”

• Malika Andrews: “It’s bold. But it may be what they needed to finally turn the page.”

🧭

The Bigger Picture

This is now GM Jeff Peterson’s team. He’s made that loud and clear. With Clingan, Brandon Miller, and a war chest of future picks, the Hornets are aiming for a patient rebuild — one that ditches drama in favor of long-term foundation.

And as for fans?

They’re stunned. Excited. Nervous. But above all else — they finally believe the team has a direction.

Almondoh Joi covers NBA transactions and team culture for ESPN. Follow him on X @AlmondohKnows.