The Charlotte Hornets are trading Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns as they continue to rebuild their roster around Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller.
The news of the trade drew mixed reactions from the NBA world, with some calling it an “incredibly risky” decision from the Phoenix Suns and others criticizing the Hornets for making the deal.
Fans React as Charlotte Hornets Trade Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns
Bridges was a key part of the Hornets roster last season, averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game in 77 appearances. The 6-foot-7 forward is now headed to the Suns alongside a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick, with Charlotte receiving Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and a 2033 first-round pick.
With the trade opening up roster flexibility and helping the Suns save $20 million in luxury taxes ahead of free agency, it sets the tone for an intriguing offseason for the franchise. One fan claimed that Phoenix got the better end of the stick with this trade.
“Hornets fleeced,” they wrote on X.
Hornets fleeced https://t.co/mVduJRYpLg
— Pranav Sriraman (@PranavSriraman) June 28, 2026
Another podcaster held an opposing view, claiming that the Hornets won the trade.
“Hornets very clear winners here. They get the best player in the trade (Grayson Allen) and an unprotected first round pick,” they wrote.
Hornets very clear winners here. They get the best player in the trade (Grayson Allen) and an unprotected first round pick. https://t.co/Ifw0Qf7NZ7
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) June 28, 2026
Keith Smith of Spotrac pointed out the financial impact of the deal on the Hornets books, claiming that they now have plenty of flexibility to add more pieces to their roster this offseason.
“Hornets are about $50.1M under the luxury tax line after swapping Miles Bridges for Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale. Lots of flexibility for Charlotte to continue to piece together their roster this offseason,” he wrote.
Hornets are about $50.1M under the luxury tax line after swapping Miles Bridges for Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale. Lots of flexibility for Charlotte to continue to piece together their roster this offseason.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 28, 2026
NBA insider Brett Siegel claimed that this trade sets the Suns up to make another big move, either now or in the near future.
“After this Miles Bridges trade and opening up access to their draft picks for the next four years in other trades, I’m starting to believe Jalen Green’s long-term future isn’t in Phoenix. This is a team that is positioning itself for a big move, whether it’s now or in months,” he wrote.
After this Miles Bridges trade and opening up access to their draft picks for the next four years in other trades, I’m starting to believe Jalen Green’s long-term future isn’t in Phoenix.
This is a team that is positioning itself for a big move, whether it’s now or in months.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) June 28, 2026
Another user called it a “risky trade for the Suns,” claiming that they may have lost a better player in Allen and also given up vital draft capital.
“This is an incredibly risky trade for the Suns in my opinion. Can make an argument Grayson is better than Miles. Only one 1st directly until 2034 (2032). Bridges’ is an expiring contract that’s due an extension. Lose their best 3PT shooter for a guys that’s a career 33% shooter. I questioned their moves last offseason and I was wrong so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt here, but man idk if I see the vision with this one,” he wrote.
This is an incredibly risky trade for the Suns in my opinion.
– Can make an argument Grayson is better than Miles
– Only own one 1st directly until 2034 (2032)
– Bridges’ is an expiring contract that’s due an extension
– Lose their best 3PT shooter for a guys that’s a career 33%…— Matt (@sixringsofsteeI) June 28, 2026
An NBA analyst called the decision to trade for Bridges a baffling one for the Suns.
“This is a terrible basketball decision. Basically a move to save money. Bridges will impede Fleming’s development and has been a net negative most of his career. No defense, no rebounding, inefficient. Wow,” he wrote.
Props to FLEX for being first on the Miles Bridges trade news, but this is a terrible basketball decision.
Basically a move to save money.
Bridges will impede Fleming’s development and has been a net negative most of his career.
No defense, no rebounding, inefficient.
Wow.
— Xin Varlock (@XinNBA) June 28, 2026
The Suns have long shown interest in Bridges, who will bring athleticism, consistent three-point shooting, and rebounding skills to the franchise. They will hope that he can find the form he showed for the Hornets last season. Phoenix suffered a first-round playoff exit last season, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a sweep.
