The Charlotte Hornets have officially pressed the reset button. After moving on from franchise player LaMelo Ball earlier this week, the Hornets have just traded Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns.
In return, Charlotte acquires veteran role players Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, along with a potentially valuable 2033 first-round pick, while also sending a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-rounder to Phoenix.
Full Trade Details
Phoenix Suns: Miles Bridges, 2029 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, 2033 first-round pickÂ
For the Suns, this is another aggressive win-now move. Phoenix lands the best player in the trade in Bridges, adding a new starter to complement Devin Booker for a playoff run in 2026-27.
Here’s how both teams, and the stars involved, grade out after the blockbuster deal.
Charlotte Hornets: B
Trading Miles Bridges is evidence that Charlotte is fully committed to its rebuild after already moving on from LaMelo Ball. The Hornets finished 44-38 last season and it’s time to officially move on after having another play-in season.
Rather than clinging to a veteran who won’t fit the franchise’s long-term plans, the Hornets convert Bridges into two respected veterans and what could become a highly valuable 2033 first-round pick.
That selection is the centerpiece of the deal, giving Charlotte another long-term asset that could appreciate significantly if Phoenix declines over the next several years once Booker hits his 30s.
Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale also have value beyond simply filling roster spots.
Allen is one of the league’s better three-point shooters (16.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG) and could either mentor younger players or be flipped to another contender at the trade deadline.
Allen is averaging 40.3% from three over his career and is under contract for $18.1M next season with a $19.4M player option in 2027-28.
O’Neale brings defensive versatility, toughness, and leadership to a rebuilding locker room. The veteran forward averaged 9.8 PPG and 4.8 RPG on 40.8% from deep last season.
While giving up a 2029 first-round pick slightly reduces the overall return, Charlotte has blown it up while officially handing the keys to Kon Knueppel.
Phoenix Suns: A
The Suns once again prioritize winning now, landing the best player in the trade without sacrificing any core stars. Miles Bridges (17.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.6 SPG, and 0.4 BPG on 46.0% FG and 33.3% 3-PT FG) immediately upgrades Phoenix’s athleticism and scoring on the wing while giving the team another player who can score alongside Devin Booker.
The biggest concern is what Phoenix gives up defensively. They ranked 6th in defense (111.1 PPG) and 10th in defensive rating (113.9) last season.
Royce O’Neale was one of the team’s most dependable perimeter defenders, while Grayson Allen supplied elite outside shooting.
Bridges isn’t the same caliber of shooter as Allen, but his overall impact is significantly greater because of his ability to attack the basket, finish in transition, and contribute on the glass.
For a team chasing a playoff run, acquiring the most talented player in the deal makes this a worthwhile gamble and they won the trade.
Miles Bridges: A
This trade gives Bridges a fresh opportunity to compete for meaningful games after spending several seasons on rebuilding Hornets teams. Instead of carrying a heavy offensive workload, he’ll join a roster where defenses are primarily focused on Devin Booker.
His skillset makes him an excellent complementary piece in a new market. Phoenix also places Bridges in an environment where he can return to winning basketball.
Rather than needing to score 20-plus points every night, he can focus on impacting games through secondary scoring. Playing meaningful playoff basketball could ultimately help restore his value around the league.
Devin Booker: A
Devin Booker is the player who benefits most from the trade. Adding Miles Bridges gives Booker another proven scorer who can ease his offensive burden throughout the regular season.
Booker averaged 26.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 6.0 APG without the presence of a forceful forward so his numbers could improve next year, along with his efficiency.
Bridges thrives running the floor and finishing around the rim, creating easier opportunities generated by Booker, who is always double-teamed.
Just as importantly, Booker no longer has to carry as much responsibility on both ends of the floor.
Bridges brings athleticism and size that Phoenix has lacked on the wing. If Bridges settles into his role, Booker should have more energy late in games and throughout the playoffs.
Kon Knueppel: A
Kon Knueppel steps into the franchise cornerstone role. While it will be tough for him to compete for wins in the playoffs for a long time, he has his team, that is the best situation for a young player who wants to learn the ropes.
Expect Knueppel to average high scoring averages across the 2026-27 season, and possibly see growth in terms of his playmaking and all-around skills. He will have to learn by baptism by fire in that regard.
Knueppel averaged 18.5 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 3.4 APG last season so expect those numbers to take a jump to All-Star levels in 2026-27. Wins won’t come easy, but production will for Knueppel next season.
