The Charlotte Hornets strike again. As expected, the Charlotte Hornets have moved on from Miles Bridges, their longest-tenured player, sending him to the Phoenix Suns. The Hornets also sent draft capital to the Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and draft picks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Suns acquire a starting PF at 28 years old in Bridges — whom they’ve targeted in recent years — plus a 2029 less favorable first-rounder and a 2027 less favorable second rounder while getting $20 million in tax savings while opening up a roster spot ahead of free agency.… https://t.co/SiWMR47IJd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2026
Miles Bridges Heads To Phoenix, while Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neal go to Charlotte
Bridges, who drew interest from at least three teams at this February trade deadline, is leaving the only franchise he has known in Charlotte. Bridges spent eight seasons with the Hornets, including his league-imposed suspension, and ranks among the top 4 in scoring, rebounds, and 3-point makes. He was selected with the No. 12 pick in 2018 by the Los Angeles Clippers and moved to Charlotte on a draft-day deal for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Bridges saw his role reduced this past season for the Hornets with the addition of Kon Knueppel, Collin Sexton and Coby White at the trade deadline. Also, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller were relatively healthy.
Bridges averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 31 minutes over 77 appearances. The 6-7 forward knocked down 1.9 threes a game on 46.0/33.3/82.2. He also produced eight double-doubles and scored in double figures 66 times, tallying 20 or more points on 25 occasions and at least 30 five times.
The trade won’t be official until July 6.
Breakdown of Hornets- Suns Trade
Suns Receive
Miles Bridges
2029 First-Round Pick (least favorable of Charlotte’s, Utah’s, Minnesota’s (top-five protected), and Cleveland’s selections)
2027 Second-Round Pick (2027 second-rounder is the least favorable of Boston and Orlando’s picks)
Hornets Receive
Grayson Allen
Royce O’Neale
2033 First-Round Pick (Unprotected)
Suns Trade Grade: B-
Bridges is the athletic, downhill creator they have been after for the last two years. Bridges projects to be third in the Suns hierarchy offensively behind Devin Booker and Jalen Green. He is a versatile defender who can guard 2-through-4, allowing Dillon Brooks to match up against the opponent’s best player. Mark Williams is the Suns’ fifth starter.
Bridges is on a $22.8 million expiring contract. He is extension eligible this summer. So, the Suns will decide whether Bridges is part of their future, which seems likely.
With the trade, Phoenix saves $6.18 million in cap room. More importantly, as Charania indicated, the Suns cut their tax obligations by $20 million. The Suns now have 14 players under contract, including 2026 first-round pick Koa Peat. They have been linked to Ja Morant with Green heading to Memphis, though not sure if that necessarily makes sense for either team.
Receiving a 2029 first-rounder was important for Phoenix as the Suns had previously traded away their pick that year. The Suns now have five future first-round selections and two second-round choices (2027 and 2o32).
Hornets Trade Grade: B
Bridges is the most talented player in the trade, but he was extension eligible, and the Hornets have decided to put their future in the hands of Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. Let’s be honest, the Hornets could have done worse than two solid veteran role players and a first-round pick, though that won’t be conveyed for seven years.
Allen, known for his 3-point shooting, is coming off a career year, though his efficiency took a nose dive and he was limited to 51 games. The 30-year-old averaged 16.5 points, 3.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. He knocked down a personal-best 3.1 threes with shooting splits of 40.3/34.9/85.7.
Allen stabilizes the Hornets backcourt and bench as he can play all three backcourt positions. Allen is a career 40% shooter from deep. He will make $18.1 million this upcoming season and has a player option for 2027-28.
O’Neale, a 3-and-D wing, also produced a career season this past year. O’Neale averaged 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 28 minutes over 78 appearances. He knocked down 2.7 triples with shooting splits of 42.1/40.8/ 71.1.
O’Neale also projects to come off the bench for the Hornets. O’Neale stabilizes the Hornets’ second-team unit defensively while also providing reliable spacing and leadership. The 33-year-old can guard 2-through-4 and is also a decent rebounder.
Charlotte added $6.18 million to their ledger with this deal. The Hornets will have 15 players on their 2026-27 roster, including German duo Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson, and still have about $6.3 million in cap space once they officially waive Pat Connaughton.
As a result, it is believed that the Hornets may not be done making moves. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto believes that the Hornets may be interested in Jaylen Brown.
“Charlotte also had exploratory conversations regarding Brown, which included a newly acquired player from the LaMelo Ball trade,” Scotto said. The Hornets recently landed Naz Reid from Minnesota. Before the Ball trade, Boston desired Reid as part of Brown trade talks with Minnesota, as noted by The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski. Reid once again was brought up in talks for Brown after joining the Hornets, HoopsHype has learned.”
If the Hornets were to trade for Brown, they likely would have to send out draft picks. The Hornets have at least eight future first-round picks between 2027-2033 with the possibility of an additional three, depending on if they are conveyed. They also have a minimum of 12 second-round selections, with the potential to add three more. Additionally, they have three trade exceptions, with the highest value being $8 million.
Photo Credit: Mike Watters, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
