{"id":202733,"date":"2026-06-29T11:04:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-29T15:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=202733"},"modified":"2026-06-29T11:04:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T15:04:34","slug":"nba-trade-bridges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/06\/29\/nba-trade-bridges\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does the Hornets-Suns Trade, Involving Miles Bridges, Mean As Free Agency Is Set to Begin"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/category\/hornets\/\" target=\"_self\">Charlotte Hornets<\/a> strike again.\u00a0 As expected, the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/05\/20\/hornets-miles-bridges\/\" target=\"_self\"> Charlotte Hornets have moved on<\/a> from <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bridgmi02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Miles Bridges<\/a>, their longest-tenured player, sending him to the Phoenix Suns. The Hornets also sent draft capital to the Suns for <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/allengr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Grayson Allen<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/o\/onealro01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Royce O&#8217;Neale,<\/a> and draft picks, according to ESPN&#8217;s Shams Charania.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The Suns acquire a starting PF at 28 years old in Bridges &#8212; whom they&#8217;ve targeted in recent years &#8212; 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.\u2026 <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/SiWMR47IJd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/SiWMR47IJd<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a  href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/ShamsCharania\/status\/2071291767123525698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 28, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.x.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"a61405551f80e72f675225f083759bb9\" image-id=\"fwuQm0Xqc44z\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 3900px; aspect-ratio: 3900\/2700;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<h2>Miles Bridges Heads To Phoenix, while Grayson Allen and Royce O&#8217;Neal go to Charlotte<\/h2>\n<p>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 <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gilgesh01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Bridges saw his role reduced this past season for the Hornets with the addition of <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/knuepko01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kon Knueppel<\/a>, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sextoco01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Collin Sexton<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/whiteco01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Coby White<\/a> at the trade deadline. Also, <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/ballla01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">LaMelo Ball<\/a> and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/millebr02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Brandon Miller<\/a> were relatively healthy.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>The trade won&#8217;t be official until July 6.<\/p>\n<h3>Breakdown of Hornets- Suns Trade<\/h3>\n<h4>Suns Receive<\/h4>\n<p>Miles Bridges<\/p>\n<p>2029 First-Round Pick (<span>least favorable of Charlotte\u2019s, Utah\u2019s, Minnesota\u2019s (top-five protected), and Cleveland\u2019s selections)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>2027 Second-Round Pick (2<span>027 second-rounder is the least favorable of Boston and Orlando\u2019s picks)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Hornets Receive<\/h4>\n<p>Grayson Allen<\/p>\n<p>Royce O&#8217;Neale<\/p>\n<p>2033 First-Round Pick (Unprotected)<\/p>\n<h3>Suns Trade Grade: B-<\/h3>\n<p>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 <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/bookede01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Devin Booker<\/a> and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/greenja05.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Jalen Green<\/a>. He is a versatile defender who can guard 2-through-4, allowing <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brookdi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dillon Brooks<\/a> to match up against the opponent&#8217;s best player. <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/willima07.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Williams<\/a> is the Suns&#8217; fifth starter.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/peatko01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Koa Peat<\/a>. They have been linked to Ja Morant with Green heading to Memphis, though not sure if that necessarily makes sense for either team.<\/p>\n<p>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).<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"b0c95bc04383cef69c6b47df872135cf\" image-id=\"WmOBrCxUzaki\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 3072px; aspect-ratio: 3072\/2074;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<h3>Hornets Trade Grade: B<\/h3>\n<p>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 <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/millebr02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brandon Miller<\/a> and <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/k\/knuepko01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kon Knueppel<\/a>. Let&#8217;s be honest, the Hornets could have done worse than two solid veteran role players and a first-round pick, though that won&#8217;t be conveyed for seven years.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>O&#8217;Neale, a 3-and-D wing, also produced a career season this past year. O&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>O&#8217;Neale also projects to come off the bench for the Hornets. O&#8217;Neale stabilizes the Hornets&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n<p>Charlotte added $6.18 million to their ledger with this deal. The Hornets will have 15 players on their 2026-27 roster, including <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/06\/24\/hornets-german-duo\/\" target=\"_self\">German duo <\/a><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/steinha02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hannes Steinbach<\/a> and<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/anderch02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Christian Anderson<\/a>, and still have about $6.3 million in cap space once they officially waive <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/connapa01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pat Connaughton<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, it is believed that the Hornets may not be done making moves. HoopsHype&#8217;s Michael Scotto believes that the Hornets may be interested in <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/brownja02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaylen Brown<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><span>&#8220;Charlotte also had exploratory conversations regarding Brown, which included a newly acquired player from the LaMelo Ball trade,&#8221; Scotto said. The Hornets recently landed Naz Reid from\u00a0<\/span>Minnesota<span>. Before the Ball trade,\u00a0<\/span>Boston<span>\u00a0desired Reid as part of Brown trade talks with Minnesota, as noted by The Athletic&#8217;s Jon Krawczynski. Reid once again was brought up in talks for Brown after joining the Hornets, HoopsHype has learned.&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span>\u00a0Photo Credit: Mike Watters, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Charlotte Hornets strike again.\u00a0 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&#8217;Neale, and draft picks, according to ESPN&#8217;s Shams Charania. The Suns acquire a starting PF at 28 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3146,"featured_media":202787,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,7,2,62,556,3,28,4721],"tags":[50498,4731,487,450,49839,1148,3814],"class_list":["post-202733","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-hornets","category-featured","category-nba","category-nba-draft","category-news","category-suns","category-trade-rumors","tag-2026-nba-trade","tag-brandon-miller","tag-grayson-allen","tag-jaylen-brown","tag-kon-knueppel","tag-miles-bridges","tag-royce-oneale"],"modified_by":"Daniel Benjamin, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202733","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3146"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=202733"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202733\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":202798,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/202733\/revisions\/202798"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/202787"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=202733"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=202733"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=202733"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}