3 pieces define the Miles Bridges trade to Phoenix

Three days after reportedly moving LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets made another franchise-shaping deal: Miles Bridges is headed to the Phoenix Suns. The reported trade sends Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to Phoenix for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and a 2033 first-round pick. For Charlotte, it is a sharp reset after a 44-win season and a Play-In Tournament berth; for Phoenix, it is a bet that one more starting forward can steady a roster built to win now.

The Bottom Line

• NBA.com reported that the Suns would receive Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick.
• The Hornets would get Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and a 2033 first-round pick, giving Charlotte another long-range asset.
• Bridges averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists across 77 games last season.
• Charlotte has now reportedly traded two of its top four scorers from last season after moving LaMelo Ball to Minnesota.
• Yahoo Sports reported that Phoenix would save $20 million in luxury taxes and open a roster spot before NBA free agency begins this week.

Breaking It Down

The deal marks another dramatic turn in Charlotte. The Hornets improved from 19 wins to 44, qualified for the Play-In Tournament as the Eastern Conference’s No. 9 seed, and still chose to move away from two central scorers in the same week. Bridges had started 131 of 133 games over the last three seasons, so this is not a minor depth move.

Phoenix is getting a 28-year-old forward with size, scoring history and one season left on a three-year, $75 million contract signed in 2024. Bridges was the No. 12 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, spent his entire pro career with Charlotte, and has averaged 20 or more points in a season three times. In roster terms, the appeal is direct: the Suns needed a true power forward after carrying a guard-heavy mix, and Bridges could slide into a frontline with Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams.

Charlotte’s return is built differently. Allen, who turns 31 in October, averaged a career-best 16.5 points and 3.8 assists for Phoenix last season. O’Neale, 33, averaged 9.8 points and shot 40.8% from deep, with NBA.com noting he made 212 total 3-pointers last season, 17th in the league. Together, they give the Hornets veteran shooting and wing depth after the team also added Naz Reid in the Ball trade.

The draft-pick swap explains the bigger strategy. Charlotte gives up a 2029 first-rounder and a 2027 second-rounder, but gets a 2033 first-round pick back from Phoenix. Bleacher Report framed the Hornets as moving toward a longer timeline centered around Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, while CBS Sports called the 2033 selection one of the highest-upside assets in the deal.

Why This Matters

For Suns fans, this is a win-now move with a cost attached. Phoenix is trying to add toughness and rebalance its lineup after a disappointing first-round sweep by Oklahoma City. Bridges brings scoring and positional size, but he also arrives with serious off-court history: in 2022 he entered a no-contest plea to a felony charge that he assaulted the mother of his children in front of them, received three years of probation, and was later suspended by the NBA.

The financial layer matters because Phoenix is not just chasing a better rotation. The Suns would save $20 million in luxury taxes with the trade, while The Athletic described the move as pushing Phoenix a bit farther from the second apron line. That means Bridges is not only a basketball fit; he is part of a cap-management decision as free agency approaches.

For Hornets fans, the emotional split is obvious. Bridges leaves after seven seasons in Charlotte and 501 appearances, ranking behind only Kemba Walker and Dell Curry in franchise field goals, according to Bleacher Report. Yet the front office is choosing future flexibility over trying to squeeze one more year out of last season’s Play-In group.

What Comes Next

The Athletic reported that the deal had not yet been finalized when its source confirmed the framework, and Suns officials were not available to comment Sunday. If the deal goes through as reported, Bridges would enter the upcoming season on a $22.8 million salary and can become an unrestricted free agent after it.

Free agency begins this week, so both teams still have room to keep moving. Phoenix can look for wing depth after sending out Allen and O’Neale, while Charlotte can decide how much of its new veteran group fits around Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, Naz Reid and Coby White.

FAQ

Who did the Suns get in the Miles Bridges trade?

The Suns reportedly receive Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick from the Hornets.

What did the Hornets get for Miles Bridges?

Charlotte reportedly receives Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and a 2033 first-round pick from Phoenix.

How did Miles Bridges play last season?

Bridges averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists across 77 games for Charlotte.

Why are the Hornets trading Miles Bridges after a 44-win season?

The move follows the reported LaMelo Ball trade and points to a longer reset built around younger players and future draft picks.

When can Miles Bridges become a free agent?

Bridges has one season left on his current deal and can become an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season.