"Willing to give players second chances" - Why Miles Bridges is reportedly interested in joining Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers have experienced massive losses this summer. Paul George decided to head east to play for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Russell Westbrook looks like a goner as the team looks for trade suitors for the former MVP.

On the other hand, they have already found replacements, including Derrick Jones Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. Another addition is possibly on the way as there is mutual interest between the Clippers and embattled forward Miles Bridges , who is reportedly a fan of the franchise's willingness to look the other way when bringing in recruits.

The Clippers' redemption projects

There has been some clamor around the Association not to give Bridges employment, considering his history of domestic violence . But the Charlotte Hornets, with whom the forward was under contract when he assaulted his ex-girlfriend, decided to give him a chance in the 2023 offseason by extending a qualifying offer.

It appears the Clippers are going to do the same, especially since they have a huge roster hole to fill. And despite Bridges' problematic off-the-court issues, he is undoubtedly a talented player—the forward averaged 21.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game last season.

Interestingly, it wouldn't be the first time Steve Ballmer's squad has taken in a player with a troubled background. Last year, it signed Joshua Primo to a two-way contract, which was later converted into a standard contract despite the former No. 12 pick being accused of indecent exposure during his time with the San Antonio Spurs.

Then, as mentioned, the Clippers have also brought in Porter Jr., whose promising stint with the Houston Rockets was cut short in the 2023 offseason after he was arrested and charged for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend and WNBA player, Kysre Gondrezick.

The Clippers' outlook

Only time will tell if replacing PG with players with checkered pasts, including Bridges if he does find his way to Los Angeles, results in the team remaining playoff contenders. But it's clear that the nine-time All-Star's time with the Clippers is up.

While the Kawhi Leonard-George partnership began promisingly in 2020, it eventually failed to produce a championship. Even a Finals appearance eluded the superstar duo. Together, they prevailed in just three playoff series, one fewer than the four rounds Leonard won when he led the Toronto Raptors' championship run in the 2018-19 campaign.

Of course, it wasn't all their fault, as injuries also heavily factored into the equation. But something had got to give, and George was the domino that had to fall.

Related: "We as Black men have to treat our Black Queens better!!" - Miles Bridges called for better treatment of women in 2020