The Charlotte Hornets and the Phoenix Suns have finalized the next spectacular trade of the NBA offseason. Miles Bridges is leaving Charlotte to join the Suns.
In return, the Charlotte Hornets receive Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and an unprotected first-round pick in the 2033 draft. The teams are also swapping additional draft picks.
According to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the Hornets are sending a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to Phoenix in addition to Bridges. In return, the Suns are sending Allen, O’Neale, and the valuable 2033 first-round pick to Phoenix. For Phoenix, the deal also means about $20 million less in luxury tax and a free roster spot just before the start of free agency.
For the Suns, this brings a long search to an end. As NBA insider Jake Fischer reports, Phoenix had had its eye on Bridges for years and had already tried to bring the forward to Arizona before the 2024 trade deadline. Now the move has finally come to fruition. Bridges is set to fill the vacant power forward position and, coming off a strong season, brings an average of 17.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
Hornets Continue Their Rebuild
Charlotte, too, is pursuing a clear strategy with this trade. Following the draft selections of Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson, as well as the already completed departure of LaMelo Ball, the Hornets are consistently continuing their rebuild. With Allen and O’Neale, the team is adding two experienced role players, but the unprotected first-round pick in 2033 could prove to be the most valuable part of the deal in the long run. Charlotte continues to build for the future and is increasingly gearing its roster toward the coming years.
