“I think in my opinion, I think T-Mac is one of the GOATs,” Bridges said during an interview on the Club 520 Podcast, referring to Tracy McGrady. “I used to watch T-Mac almost every day with my pops, bro. This (expletive) was doing amazing (expletive), bro,” the 26-year-old forward emphasized.

Bridges also pointed to McGrady’s fierce competition with Kobe Bryant during his prime with the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets. “When him and Kobe was going at it, bro, and before he got hurt, I damn near had him over -I’m not even lying- I damn near had him over Kobe.”

However, Bridges did acknowledge the reason why McGrady doesn’t get more recognition in the GOAT conversation: injuries. “In my opinion, if TM don’t get hurt, he the GOAT to me.”

McGrady’s injury struggles

McGrady’s career was derailed by injuries, especially during his time in Houston. After a stellar debut season with the Rockets in 2004-05, McGrady’s second year was cut short, playing only 47 games due to back spasms. These health issues were a key reason the Rockets failed to make the playoffs.

Unfortunately, the problems didn’t stop there. Before the 2008-09 season, McGrady underwent surgeries on his left knee and shoulder, forcing him to miss games. He then required microfracture surgery, which sidelined him for the rest of the season.

The premature end of McGrady’s career

Injuries ultimately robbed Tracy McGrady of the consistency he showed during his early years in the NBA. After leaving the Rockets in 2010, McGrady had brief stints with the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, and even the Qingdao DoubleStar Eagles in China. He returned to the NBA for one last run with the San Antonio Spurs in 2013, but by then, his career was winding down. Tracy retired at just 34 years old.

Then again, a lack of a true playmaker, injuries, and some inconsistency have prevented Frank Vogel’s team from fulfilling its true potential. That’s why they could look to make even more moves to bolster their roster.

With that in mind, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic revealed that they’re keeping tabs on Charlotte Hornets SF/PF Miles Bridges, a bruising and physical scorer and rebounder.

NBA Trade Rumors: Suns Targeting Miles Bridges

“Sources confirmed to The Republic the Suns are interested in the Charlotte Hornets forward, who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season,” wrote Rankin. “The Suns aren’t just looking at Bridges as they have 10 or more players on their radar, sources tell The Republic.”

Needless to say, trading for Bridges does come with some questions because of his well-documented character issues, and it could be a bit of a PR risk. Then again, this team is willing to do whatever it takes to get to the next level.

The Suns Will Be Active In Trade Talks

“Phoenix only has second-round capital at its disposal, plus Nassir Little and his four-year, $28 million contract, to consider for legitimate upgrades, as Phoenix appears intent on keeping Grayson Allen,” wrote NBA insider Jake Fischer. “The Suns now seem to be generally looking at various rotation-level players, ranging from Jae’Sean Tate to Royce O’Neale, sources said, to Bridges and Charlotte teammate Nick Richards.”

The Suns have looked much better as of late, and it seems like their Big 3 is finally healthy and clicking. Then again, all great things can get better, and they could definitely use some help on defense.

NBA rookies are eager to adjust to the league as quickly as possible and are open to getting help from established players like Ja Morant, Dejounte Murray, and Miles Bridges.

However, Ja Morant is currently facing some challenges that may not make him the best role model for a rookie who is still learning the ropes. It is undeniable that he has a talent that any rookie would like to have.

Most top rookies become good players in a short amount of time, but they need advice from other established players to do so. Dejounte Murray and Miles Bridges are two examples of successful rookies who have received guidance from more experienced players.

Who is the rookie who is being mentored by three NBA players?

In a recent video, Emoni Bates, who was drafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, revealed that he has been taken under the wing of three players: Ja Morant, Dejounte Murray, and Miles Bridges. Bates said that they have been helping him adjust to his new life in the NBA.

The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted Bates with the 49th overall pick. He was the only player drafted by the Cavaliers in the 2023 NBA Draft. Bates was then signed to a two-way contract on July 7.

That makes the first couple of days kind of overwhelming. We see dozens of deals happening left and right, and it’s hard to keep up with those many movements at times. Then, it all gets way too quiet while the rest of the dominoes continue to fall.

Kevin Durant’s trade request made plenty of teams and players pull the brakes on any negotiation. That’s why there’s still a handful of solid free agents that could suit any contending team.

NBA Rumors: The 3 Best Available Free Agents

3. Dennis Schroder

A full year has gone by, and Dennis Schroder still has to deal with all the jokes about how he ‘fumbled the bag.’ That’s why he’s not going to take a discount ever again unless he gets a real shot to win an NBA championship.

Schroder is one of the best backup point guards in the league. He can give you a nightly 17 with 7 dimes and even step up to the starting lineup if need be. Once the Durant situation is settled, he’ll be one of the names to keep an eye on.

2. Collin Sexton

Collin Sexton’s situation is complicated. On the one hand, the Cleveland Cavaliers don’t want to commit five years and $100 million+ on a player coming off a major injury. On the other, they can’t afford to just let him walk for free.

Sexton was supposed to gauge plenty of interest in free agency before suffering a season-ending injury. But he’s still young and was playing the best basketball of his career before it, so he could be on any contending team’s radar right now.

1. Miles Bridges

There’s a strong chance Miles Bridges doesn’t set foot on an NBA hardwood ever again. He allegedly beat up his girlfriend, and the videos and pics are quite horrifying. Also, his off-court behavior raised several questions even before that scandal.

But unfortunately, we’ve seen major sports teams look the other way on these issues way too often. If that’s the case, then Bridges will get a big payday and continue his ascent after posting the best numbers of his career last season.

Then the 24-year-old while in Los Angeles was arrested for domestic violence according to TMZ and was released later in the day on a $130,000 bond. According to the reports Bridges had an argument with a woman which turned physical and by the time the police arrived Bridges had left the scene.

The Charlotte Hornets are “aware” of the situation and monitoring it carefully, while gathering information on the matter on their side. The team offered no further comment at this time.

Miles Bridges goes to police station and is arrested

What has been reported by Marca and TMZ is that Miles Bridges after the incident went to the local police station and gave himself up. As a result, he was arrested and charged and had to place bond and the woman he is charged with assaulting received medical attention.

Miles Bridges is coming off of a career year which saw him average 20.2 points per game, seven rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. It is reported that the Pistons and Pacers have shown interest in Bridges.

But as good as he’s been, reports state that the Hornets are hesitant about offering him the max contract he’s asking for. He also turned down a four-year, $60 million offer from the last fall and bet on himself last season.

Bridges is a Flint, Michigan native. He thrived at Michigan State and is a local fan favorite in Detroit. He recently wiped off the Hornets from his social media accounts, and his latest activity made people wonder whether he’s flirting with the DetroitPistons fanbase.

NBA Rumors: Miles Bridges Could Sign With The Detroit Pistons

“The Pistons and Pacers, sources said, have designs on chasing players on the restricted free-agent market and have been the lone teams linked as potential threats to sign talented forward Miles Bridges from the Charlotte Hornets. Hornets Want To Bring Bridges Back, Says GM,” reported Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.

Hornes Want To Bring Bridges Back, Says GM

However, one can’t ignore the fact that Bridges is an restricted free agent, so the Hornets could eventually match any offer for him. It is not that they don’t see him as a max-contract player but that they would rather the market dictate how much he should get paid:

“As an organization, we love Miles,” Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak said, per CBS Sports. “We’re going to bring him back. He’s been great for the franchise, and I believe with his work ethic he’s only going to get better.”

All things considered, the Hornets would be wise to hold on to their leading scorer, even if their salary cap situation is complicated. But even if they don’t keep him, a sign-and-trade seems like the most likely scenario here.

This year won’t be the exception to that rule. Moreover, the restricted free agent class is set to be one of the most interesting we’ve seen in years, as multiple players may find a bigger payday somewhere else.

That means that their teams would either be forced to match their offers, let them go for free, or work out a sign-and-trade deal. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three young restricted free agents who may leave their teams in the offseason.

NBA Rumors: 3 Young Stars That Could Change Teams This Summer

3. Deandre Ayton

Deandre Ayton and the Phoenix Suns just aren’t on the same page. Monty Williams doesn’t trust him down the stretch, and the organization doesn’t think of him as a max-contract kind of player. But he’ll still draw plenty of interest in the open market.

The former first-overall pickmade great strides as a defender and has already proven that he can be a 20+ point per game scorer while pulling down 10+ boards a night. He’s young, athletic, and the Suns will likely be forced to sign and trade him.

2. Miles Bridges

Miles Bridges broke out as a scorer last season. His chemistry with LaMelo Ball is evident, and he could turn out to be one of the best two-way players in the league if given more touches on the offensive end of the floor.

However, the Charlotte Hornets aren’t sure about his status as a max-contract kind of guy, especially after some off-court controversies. Bridges will still gauge league-wide interest, although whether someone will give him the max or not remains to be seen.

1. Collin Sexton

Collin Sexton was a trade candidate last season before suffering a knee injury. The Cleveland Cavaliers are committed to Darius Garland as their point guard for the future and still made the playoffs without Sexton, so they could look to move him.

Sexton was playing the best ball of his career and finally becoming an efficient scorer. He’s young and has plenty of upside, but his shot selection and the fact that he’s coming off a major injury may hurt his market value.