Hornets Trading Miles Bridges To Suns

Key Points:

• The Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns have agreed to a trade 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 a 2033 first-round pick. The 2029 pick is the least favorable among Utah, Minnesota, and Cleveland’s selections and is top-five protected, while the 2033 pick from Phoenix is unprotected.
• Miles Bridges, a 2018 lottery pick and Hornets' longest-tenured player, averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in the 2025/26 season but has faced off-court issues, including a felony domestic violence charge in 2022/23. He is entering the final year of his contract and will be extension-eligible this offseason.
• The Suns could save approximately $30 million toward their luxury tax bill through this trade and create a $10.9 million traded player exception, hard-capping them at the first apron. The Hornets gain financial flexibility, sitting $41.8 million below the luxury tax line, and have created the largest trade exception in NBA history by trading LaMelo Ball.
• Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale bring solid contributions to Charlotte, with Allen posting career highs last season despite injuries, and O’Neale providing veteran experience. The Hornets appear positioned for long-term improvement by acquiring multiple future picks and valuable role players.
• The trade is expected to be finalized after the July 6 moratorium period, and there is speculation it could be connected to other moves, such as a potential LaMelo Ball blockbuster trade, as the Hornets continue reshaping their roster.