Suns-Hornets Trade Grades: Is Miles Bridges the Missing Piece for Devin Booker? 29 June

Miles Bridges

Over the past few seasons, Miles Bridges has been frequently mentioned in trade gossip concerning the Phoenix Suns, but this speculation has now been resolved as the Charlotte Hornets have finalized a trade. The deal involves Bridges, along with a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick, being sent to the Suns in exchange for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and a 2033 first-round pick. The announcement, made on Sunday, June 28, elicited a rapid and varied response from the basketball community, particularly on social media.

Miles Bridges The trade was initially reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, with confirmation following from The Republic’s Duane Rankin. This transaction raises questions about whether Bridges could be the key addition that helps Suns’ star Devin Booker enhance his playoff performance.

The recent trade involving the Suns has notably brought in a player that Mat Ishbia, a Michigan State alum like Bridges, has likely been pursuing for some time. This move aligns with the Hornets’ ongoing effort to reshape their team by enhancing their outside shooting capabilities. Analysis from various social media platforms revealed mixed reactions among Suns fans and analysts. Many expressed optimism, highlighting that Bridges could strengthen the Suns’ front-line presence, addressing a critical area of need.

Conversely, some skeptics raised concerns about whether Bridges’ skillset offers any distinct advantages over the existing players in Phoenix’s lineup. Additionally, the trade has sparked debate surrounding Bridges’ past, particularly referencing an incident of domestic violence which led to his suspension by the NBA in 2023. This aspect has fueled further scrutiny regarding his acquisition and its implications for the team’s culture and image. Overall, while the trade could bring valuable contributions on the court, it also introduces complex off-court considerations that the Suns must navigate.

Suns receive Miles Bridges, 2029 first-rounder and 2027 second-rounder

Suns acquire Miles Bridges, along with a 2029 first-round draft pick and a 2027 second-round draft pick, addressing their pressing need for a strong forward. Over the past four seasons, Bridges has proven to be a valuable asset, averaging 19.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, with shooting splits of 46.2% from the field, 33.1% from three-point range, and 82.8% from free throw line. While Bridges may not be a prolific three-point shooter, his strength lies in scoring efficiently near the basket. His ability to score in isolation and execute plays in pick-and-roll scenarios enhances his versatility.

Miles Bridges Moreover, he excels at moving without the ball, effectively navigating defenses through cuts and exploiting spaces when help defenders shift away. This dynamic skill set is expected to provide the Suns with the necessary offensive force they need around the rim, enhancing their overall offensive strategy.

Miles Bridges The Phoenix Suns face a challenge regarding their outside shooting capabilities with the recent roster changes. Collin Gillespie, a notable shooter who has agreed to return, and Jordan Goodwin, who had a commendable 37.1% shooting percentage from beyond the arc last season, are positive aspects. However, there are concerns surrounding Devin Booker, who has experienced a decline in his 3-point shooting efficiency over the past two years, now sitting at 33.1%. Additionally, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks have yet to establish themselves as dependable outside shooters. While these concerns about shooting might raise questions about the team’s strategy, it should not deter the Suns from proceeding with their move.

The team is expected to increase pressure on the rim and benefit from greater defensive size, which could compensate for outside shooting deficiencies. In terms of future assets, the Suns are involved in a trade that entails both receiving and giving away a first-round pick. Although this seems to balance out, the implications are not straightforward. The uncertainty of the draft lottery system post-2029 complicates the valuation of the first-round pick from 2033.

Currently, the Suns lose control over their draft picks until 2033, although they will still retain options through pick swaps in 2027, 2028, and 2030, alongside a frozen first-round pick for 2032. This situation suggests that the Suns must have strong confidence in their current roster, including Booker, Green, Brooks, Bridges, and Mark Williams, to succeed over the next few seasons.

Bridges, aged 28, is set to become a free agent in 2027, posing a critical decision for the Suns regarding his re-signing. Although he has generally maintained good health throughout his career, his participation was notably impacted during the legal proceedings surrounding serious allegations of domestic violence and child abuse in 2022, during which he pleaded no contest to a felony domestic violence charge. Consequently, he did not play for the entirety of the 2022-23 season and faced a suspension, which extended into the beginning of the 2023-24 season. Despite this, Bridges demonstrated resilience by only missing five games last season.

While the Suns are actively addressing their roster deficiencies, particularly at the power forward position, they are also prioritizing the addition of a dependable secondary scorer alongside Devin Booker. This strategic move is expected to significantly enhance Booker’s performance on the court.

Grade: B-

Hornets receive Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and a 2033 first-round pick in exchange for Miles Bridges.

Miles Bridges The Hornets have made significant roster changes by acquiring Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, along with a future first-round pick for 2033. In total, they have traded away Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball, Josh Green, a first-round pick in 2029, and a second-round pick in 2027. This transaction is notable following their impressive performance in the latter part of the previous season, during which the team emerged as one of the top contenders in the league. The Hornets also received Naz Reid, two additional first-round picks for 2033, and three future second-round picks, signaling a strategic shift aimed at reinforcing their competitiveness.

In analyzing the Hornets’ current situation, it appears they are strategically preparing for financial commitments to key players, specifically Bridges, who will require a new contract, and Ball, with a projected two-year extension worth approximately $120 million. The organization has identified Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller as core players for future development, and head coach Charles Lee is expected to utilize versatility, outside shooting, and flexibility in shaping the team’s roster.

With the introduction of O’Neale and Allen, the Hornets are enhancing their shooting capabilities, having ranked third in the NBA for 3-point percentage last season. This positions them potentially as the strongest outside shooting team for the upcoming season, although creating shot opportunities may become more challenging in the absence of Ball and Bridges. Nevertheless, the Hornets are wary of committing to long-term contracts that they doubt will position them competitively in the Eastern Conference.

O’Neale demonstrated impressive shooting accuracy, hitting over 40 percent from three-point range last season and maintaining nearly 39 percent for his career. In contrast, Allen’s performance was hindered by injuries, resulting in a below-average 34.9 percent from deep, despite an impressive 41.9 percent in his previous six seasons.

The Hornets also acquired top draft prospect Christian Anderson, recognized as the best shooter in this year’s draft. While the Hornets may experience a slight decline in the 2026-27 season, they possess substantial draft capital and trade assets for the future, making this acquisition a strategic move.