The Charlotte Hornets have made a significant move in their roster, parting ways with one of their most prolific scorers, Miles Bridges. After seven seasons with the franchise, during which he never managed to lead the team to a playoff appearance, Bridges is set to join the Phoenix Suns, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.
The Trade Details
According to reports from ESPN's Shams Charania, the Hornets have traded Bridges, along with a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick, to the Suns. In return, Charlotte receives Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and a first-round pick in 2033. This trade signifies a busy offseason for the Hornets, who are also navigating the recent trade of their star player LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Bridges' Performance and Legacy in Charlotte
Bridges leaves the Hornets after an impressive tenure, having spent all eight years of his professional career with the franchise. He was originally selected by the Los Angeles Clippers as the 12th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft before being traded to Charlotte on draft day. During his time with the Hornets, Bridges played 501 games, where he notably became one of the team's leading scorers. He accumulated 2,972 career field goals, ranking him third in franchise history behind legends Kemba Walker and Dell Curry. Furthermore, Bridged also recorded a total of 3,077 rebounds, putting him fourth on the all-time list for the Hornets.
During the 2025-26 season, Bridges had a statistically impactful year, averaging 17.1 points per game while shooting an impressive 46 percent from the field, including a three-point shooting accuracy of 33.3%. Additionally, he contributed significantly in other areas, posting averages of 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Unfortunately for Bridges and the franchise, the Hornets concluded their season with a disheartening tenth consecutive year of playoff absence, highlighted by a loss to the Orlando Magic in the play-in tournament.
What This Means for the Hornets
Charlotte is evidently entering a new phase, aggressively restructuring their roster in a bid for future success. The departure of Bridges, along with the trade of LaMelo Ball, indicates a shift towards rebuilding, aiming to develop a new core that can propel the team back into playoff contention. The Hornets will now lean on newly acquired players like Allen and O'Neale to fill the void left by Bridges and Ball. Grayson Allen's added shooting ability and experience could be a significant asset for the team, while Royce O'Neale could bolster their defense.
Bridges' Future in Phoenix
As Miles Bridges transitions to his new team in Phoenix, expectations are high from both his new franchise and fans alike. Phoenix, who is hoping to bounce back after a disappointing first-round exit this past season, sees the signing of Bridges as key to their future success. The Suns struggled throughout the 2025-26 season due to injuries, notably missing star player Jalen Green for most of the campaign, which culminated in a sweeping defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. With Bridges now on the roster, the Suns are optimistic about a healthier lineup next fall, aiming to capitalize on his scoring ability and playoff experience.
Bridges has an opportunity to make his long-awaited NBA playoff debut with the Suns in the upcoming postseason, which would not only be a significant milestone for him personally but also a boost for a franchise looking to regain its competitive edge. Following a mixed offseason, both the Hornets and Suns will strive to maximize their new lineups, hoping that the moves made will pay off in the win column.
Looking Ahead
With the NBA offseason in full swing, teams are actively assessing their rosters and exploring opportunities to build for the future. For the Hornets, trading away two cornerstones of their franchise marks an unwavering commitment to reshaping their identity in a quest for greater success. As for the Suns, the acquisition of Miles Bridges could signal a significant shift as they gear up for a promising season ahead. Both teams will be closely monitored as they navigate their new paths—one aiming for resurgence and the other for renewal—with fans hopeful for what lies ahead in the upcoming season.
