The Phoenix Suns have landed their long-awaited starting power forward after pulling off another blockbuster trade. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Charlotte Hornets are sending Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick to Phoenix in exchange for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and an unprotected 2033 first-round pick.
Trade Details
Phoenix Suns Receive: Miles Bridges, 2029 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, 2033 first-round pick
The deal gives the Suns one of the top forwards available on the market while also creating significant financial flexibility ahead of free agency.
Bridges has been one of Charlotte’s most productive players for years and now gets a fresh start after the Hornets entered a rebuild by trading LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this offseason. Following Ball’s departure, Bridges had been widely viewed as another likely trade candidate, and Phoenix emerged as his landing spot.
The 28-year-old averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 46.0% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range in 77 games last season. His athleticism, transition scoring, and defensive versatility fill a major need for a Suns team that has searched for a long-term answer at power forward over the past few seasons.
Phoenix has reportedly admired Bridges for years, making this a move that has been building behind the scenes.
Beyond adding Bridges, the Suns also receive the less favorable 2029 first-round pick and the less favorable 2027 second-round selection. The trade reportedly creates approximately $20 million in luxury tax savings while also opening a roster spot, giving Phoenix additional flexibility as free agency begins.
For Charlotte, the move continues a dramatic roster overhaul. After moving on from LaMelo Ball, the Hornets now add two experienced veterans in Allen and O’Neale while securing an extremely valuable unprotected 2033 Suns first-round pick that could become one of the better long-term assets in the league.
Allen is coming off arguably the best season of his career, averaging 16.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 40.3% from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc. He gives Charlotte another capable scorer and floor spacer who has extensive playoff experience.
O’Neale provides another proven veteran capable of playing multiple positions. Last season, he averaged 9.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 42.1% from the field and an excellent 40.8% from three-point range. His versatility and leadership should help stabilize a young Hornets roster entering a rebuilding phase.
For Phoenix, this trade is about maximizing the current championship window. Bridges gives the Suns a younger, more athletic frontcourt presence who is entering his prime at 28 years old. His ability to defend multiple positions, attack the rim, and play alongside the team’s established stars gives Phoenix another reliable two-way option.
Meanwhile, Charlotte continues accumulating future assets while surrounding its young core with respected veterans. The Hornets may have sacrificed one of the franchise’s longest-tenured players, but the return positions them well for the next stage of their rebuild.
Both franchises accomplished very different goals, making this one of the most fascinating blockbuster deals of the offseason.
