Hornets Trade Miles Bridges to Suns in Major Roster Shake-Up

Posted : 29 June 2026

The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to send forward Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and an unprotected 2033 first-round pick, according to reports.

The move marks Charlotte's second major transaction in less than a week. Earlier, the franchise dealt All-Star guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves and later reached a three-year, $74 million agreement to retain guard Coby White.

Bridges was an important contributor during the Hornets' surprising turnaround last season. Charlotte improved from 19 wins the previous year to 44 victories and came within one play-in win of ending a playoff drought that stretches back to 2016. The veteran forward provided leadership for a young core featuring Ball, Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel, often handling the physical and defensive responsibilities while younger teammates took on larger offensive roles.

After struggling early in the season, the Hornets surged after January, winning 32 of their final 45 games. During that stretch, they ranked among the league's best teams on both offense and defense, with Bridges playing a key role in their toughness and interior play.

Even with a reduced offensive workload, Bridges averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds during the 2025-26 campaign. For Phoenix, acquiring the 28-year-old veteran also provides significant financial relief, with the Suns reportedly saving around $20 million in luxury tax payments while creating additional roster flexibility ahead of free agency.

Charlotte, meanwhile, adds experienced wing players in Allen and O'Neale, along with the valuable 2033 first-round pick from Phoenix. The first-round selection heading to the Suns will be the least favorable of the picks belonging to Charlotte, Utah, Cleveland or Minnesota in 2029.

Bridges has spent his entire NBA career with the Hornets after being drafted out of Michigan State and acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers on draft night. His move to Phoenix reunites him with an organization that has several Michigan State connections, including owner Mat Ishbia, general manager Brian Gregory and head coach Jordan Ott.

Bridges' career has also included significant off-court challenges. He missed the entire 2022-23 season and part of the following campaign while serving a suspension related to a felony domestic abuse case. He has one season remaining on the contract he signed with Charlotte in 2024.

Hornets Trade Miles Bridges to Suns in Major Roster Shake-Up

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