The Hornets trade Miles Bridges to the Suns
The Charlotte player is traded to Phoenix in a move that accelerates the reconstruction of the North Carolina franchise in the NBA
Charlotte Hornets continues to revolutionize its roster during one of the busiest offseasons in recent years. The franchise has sealed another impactful trade by sending Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns in a deal that also includes multiple draft picks, coming just days after LaMelo Ball's departure.
As reported by Shams Charania, Charlotte will send Bridges along with a 2029 first-round draft pick and a 2027 second-round pick. In return, the Hornets will receive Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and a 2033 first-round draft pick.
The move confirms the franchise's shift in direction, as they continue to reshape their roster following a season where they made significant competitive strides.
Miles Bridges' departure marks the second major trade by the Hornets in just three days.
Previously, the organization had already agreed to send LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Additionally, the team secured Coby White's continuity with a three-year, $74 million contract.
With these moves, Charlotte continues to redefine the core of its roster for the future.
| Trade Details | |
|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns receive | Miles Bridges, 2029 first round, 2027 second round |
| Charlotte Hornets receive | Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, 2033 first round |
Bridges Leaves a Significant Mark on the Hornets
Besides his statistics, Miles Bridges was a key component in the team's growth during the last season.
The forward played an essential role in Charlotte finishing just one win away from reaching the play-in tournament for the playoffs, ending a drought dating back to 2016.
Within the locker room, he also served as one of the veteran leaders for a very young group.
His experience contributed to the development of players like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and rookie Kon Knueppel, who took on increasing offensive responsibilities.
A Season of Tremendous Collective Growth
The Hornets experienced one of the greatest improvements in the NBA.
After winning only 19 games the previous season, the team boosted its record to 44 victories.
The shift was particularly notable starting in January.
Charlotte began the year with an 11-23 record but then went on to post an impressive 32 wins in the following 45 games.
During that late-season stretch, the Hornets led the NBA in offensive efficiency and ranked fifth in defense.
Bridges' defensive contributions were among the factors that helped sustain that performance.
| Charlotte's Evolution | |
| Previous Season Wins | 19 |
| 2025-26 Season Wins | 44 |
| Record on January 2 | 11-23 |
| Record in Following 45 Games | 32-13 |
Phoenix Gains Experience and Financial Flexibility
The Suns bolster their roster with the addition of a 28-year-old player entering the final season of his contract signed in 2024.
Although Bridges had limited playing time last season, he still averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds.
In addition to the athletic gain, Phoenix secures a significant financial benefit.
The trade enables the franchise to save around $20 million in luxury tax and, simultaneously, free up a roster spot for the upcoming free agency period.
Charlotte Acquires Depth and a Future Asset
On their end, the Hornets add two veteran players in Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale.
Adding to this is an unprotected 2033 first-round pick from the draft, an asset that could hold significant long-term value.
The first rounder Charlotte is giving up in this deal will be the least favorable among those belonging to Charlotte, Utah, Cleveland, or Minnesota in 2029.
| Assets Charlotte Receives |
| Grayson Allen |
| Royce O'Neale |
| 2033 Unprotected First Round |
The End of an Era in North Carolina
With this trade, Miles Bridges concludes his tenure with the franchise that has been his home since entering the NBA.
The forward spent his entire professional career in Charlotte after being drafted from Michigan State and then traded from the Los Angeles Clippers.
He now lands with the Suns, where he will find several connections to his university. Both owner Mat Ishbia and GM Brian Gregory and coach Jordan Ott have ties to Michigan State.
A Player Looking to Begin a New Chapter
Bridges' career was also marked by a suspension that caused him to miss the entire 2022-23 season and part of the 2023-24 season after pleading guilty to a serious domestic violence offense.
With just one year remaining on his contract, the forward now faces a new chapter in Phoenix, while Charlotte continues to completely transform its sports project with an eye on the future.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los Hornets traspasan a Miles Bridges a los Suns
