The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly moving forward in contract talks with restricted free agent forward Miles Bridges and are optimistic a deal can be completed soon. ESPN reported Friday.
Bridges would likely face a suspension the moment he signs with any team following his arrest in June after he allegedly assaulted his wife, Mychelle Johnson, in front of their two children. Bridges was released after posting $130,000 bail. A hospital report, which was shared by Johnson on Instagram, detailed that she was strangled, shocked and had a broken nose, while also suffering a bruised rib, multiple bruises and a strained neck as consequence of the alleged aggression.
Bridges pleaded no contest to a domestic felony charge and was sentenced to three years of probation with no jail time as part of a plea deal with prosecutors in Los Angeles in November. Two other charges were dropped as part of the deal.
The NBA is investigating Bridges’ alleged assault, but it is unknown how long his possible suspension could last, ESPN added. If Bridges receives a suspension, he would not be able to serve it until he is under contract with a team.
Bridges, 24, became a restricted free agent just one day after he was arrested. After averaging 20.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game last season, Bridges was considered one of the top free agents this past offseason, but remained unsigned as questions arose about his legal status
The Hornets selected the Michigan State product with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Charlotte is 8-24 this season, the second-worst record in the league.
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