PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns remain the busiest team in the offseason by trading for Charlotte Hornets forward Mile Bridges Sunday morning. For Phoenix, the move solidifies their starting power forward spot and shreds $20 million in tax relief. Losing Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and an unprotected first in 2033 is a heavy price, but looking at the team’s cap situation, the move makes complete sense on that front.
Apr 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) shoots past the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Suns cap breakdown by Marks:
Before the trade, the Suns had $60 million guaranteed to Allen and O’Neale over the next two seasons. Trading for Bridges, who is on a one-year deal, creates flexibility. The former Hornet is set to make $22.8 million in 2026-2027, which puts the team under the first apron just barely.
With one more open roster spot, general manager Brian Gregory could use the final slot on a backup point guard in free agency. Names such as Bones Hyland, Jevon Carter or Jordan McLaughlin could be great additions. Phoenix re-signing Koby Brea to a guaranteed contract could be another option, even if he’s more of a two guard.
Jun 10, 2025; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory during an introductory press conference at the Verizon 5g Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The deal sets up the franchise nicely for next offseason. Gregory replaces the $31 million towards Allen and O’Neale and relocates it towards Collin Gillespie, Mark Williams and Jordan Goodwin’s new contracts. And with Bridges being a free agent, Phoenix will have plenty of cap space to re-sign Dillon Brooks to a lucrative and lengthy extension if it wants.
While Bridges will add some flexibility to head coach Jordan Ott’s playstyle, the cap implications of the 28-year-old’s arrival sets the franchise up nicely for the next two seasons.
Was trading for Miles Bridges the right move for the Phoenix Suns?
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
