Charlotte Hornets star Miles Bridges is part of the growing NBA rap community, performing under the alias ‘Real Trench Baby’. After a small hiatus, RTB returned to perform for On The Radar Radio recently. Unfortunately, fans didn’t seem to appreciate his return as much as he would have expected. The reception of his freestyle has been divisive, to say the least, with even Michael Jordan catching some strays.
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MJ was the owner of the Charlotte Hornets franchise for 13 years before he sold the team last year. However, he oversaw the selection of many Hornets players, including Bridges himself.
For this, some fans jokingly held Jordan responsible for Bridges’ rap career. “I blame Michael Jordan,” one fan wrote under a clip of the Hornets star’s bars.
i blame Michael jordan
— NBA Expert. (@WhatSeperatesU) September 16, 2024
Several of the comments under his video were expressing their disinterest in the 26-year-old’s rap career.
The commenters also likened Bridges’ bars about gang activities to Ja Morant’s suspension last season. Fans couldn’t seem to understand why the multi-millionaire was still rapping about a lifestyle he had grown out of.
First NBA player tryna make it TO the hood 😭
— ᴛʏʟᴇʀ (@blazersforreal) September 16, 2024
Fans even warned Bridges that the content of his rap could land him in trouble with the league.
HE TALKIN BOUT HAVING SWITCHES BRO YOURE IN THE LEAGUE!!!
— DefinitelyNotFunDipp (@Sincerely_Jahz) September 16, 2024
Another fan joked about how Bridges waited to sign his new contract before releasing any more music. The implication here is, of course, that his rapping could have reduced his value or even affected his availability as a player.
Bro waited to get his new contract before continuing his rap career 😂😂😂😂
— nasj (@isitnasj) September 17, 2024
Thankfully for Bridges, the off-season is almost over. Soon, Charlotte fans will get to watch their $75 million forward try to live up to his contract. And even if he doesn’t, there are apparently other suitors for the 26-year-old.
Bridges is a target for contenders
Earlier this summer, Charlotte re-signed Bridges to a three-year $75 million guaranteed deal. The trick here is that they signed him to a front-loaded deal, where by the end of his contract in 2027, Bridges will only earn $22.8 million.
This makes him an enticing pick-up for teams looking to contend without crossing the luxury tax aprons. One such franchise that was heavily linked with Miles Bridges this off-season was the LA Clippers.
It’s not clear how he fits into Charlotte’s long-term plans, particularly with his off-court troubles. But for Steve Ballmer, second chances are given out easily. The Clippers signed Kevin Porter Jr., who faced similar charges as the ones brought against Bridges, on a 2-year deal this off season.
LA Times reporter Brad Turner also revealed that Bridges was a fan of Ballmer for his approach toward players who have made mistakes in the past. If the Hornets can land younger players in the trade that better fit their timeline, they would likely be open to parting ways with him. In any case, Bridges can’t be moved until January 15th due to the restrictions on trading newly signed players.