CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Miles Bridges is returning to the Charlotte Hornets on a one-year contract for the 2023-24 NBA season, the Hornets confirmed Friday, days after it was reported by the Associated Press and ESPN.
A person familiar with the situation told the Associated Press Bridges that Bridges signed a $7.9 million qualifying offer from Charlotte. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been announced.
ESPN was first to report the deal.
Bridges missed all of last season after he was charged with domestic violence in July 2022. He pleaded no contest last November and is serving three years of probation. The NBA gave Bridges a 30-game suspension earlier this offseason, but added that because Bridges missed the entirety of last season that 20 of those games are considered already served.
He will miss the first 10 games of this season.
Charlotte Hornets president of basketball operations and general manager Mitch Kupchak said they took a "measured and serious approach" in making the decision.
“Several factors played a part in our decision to bring Miles back, including the conclusion of the legal process, the results of the NBA’s investigation and Miles’ commitment to counseling and community service," Kupchak said, in part, in a statement. "Our five-year relationship with Miles has allowed for open and honest dialogue. He has shown remorse, indicated that he has learned from this situation and expressed that it will not happen again. We look forward to Miles rejoining our team.”
Bridges was coming off a career season in 2021-22 when he averaged a team-high 20.2 points and 7.0 rebounds and appeared on the verge of signing a multiyear contract worth more than $100 million last summer.
By signing the qualifying offer, the 25-year-old Bridges becomes eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after next season. The Hornets recently selected Brandon Miller from Alabama with the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft and he plays the same position as Bridges.
In a statement released Friday, Bridges apologized for the "pain, embarrassment and disappointment" others had experienced last year. He said he used his time away to work on becoming a better person.
“I’m grateful to the Hornets and the NBA community for giving me a second chance - most people don’t ever get one and I understand those questioning whether I deserve one," Bridges said. "I will do everything I can to earn back the trust and confidence of my teammates, coaches, the Hornets organization and staff, fans, and the Charlotte community. I’m ready to return to work and can’t wait to rejoin my Hornets teammates.”
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