Miles Bridges declined a four-year, $60 million contract extension offer from the Charlotte Hornets last offseason, which appears to have been an excellent business decision.
Bridges is expected to command a maximum salary this offseason that could reach $173 million over five years.
League personnel believe the Hornets intend to match any offer sheet Bridges may sign as a restricted free agent.
Because Charlotte is in that situation, teams could potentially be dissuaded from making an earnest attempt at signing Bridges, or it could encourage a rival to force the franchise to pay his full max.
Bridges averaged 20.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists this past season.