PHOENIX — When news first broke about the Phoenix Suns’ blockbuster acquisition of forward Miles Bridges, it brought mixed emotions among the fan base.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The reaction wasn’t just about Bridges as a player, but also about his off-court history — the organization knew those concerns would be part of the conversation.
Jan 12, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
On Wednesday, the club officially introduced the former Charlotte Hornet as a Sun alongside general manager Brian Gregory. Before the media could ask questions about the team’s newest addition, Gregory addressed the elephant in the room.
“Those questions and the concerns surrounding Miles and his unacceptable conduct that has occurred in the past, those questions are part of his story,” Gregory said. “He’s dealt with them before and we’ll deal with them today as well. I think those questions we were aware of and knew about, and that’s also why we took this decision so seriously during the process and when we made it.”
Brian Gregory weighing the skepticism from the fanbase about trading for Miles Bridges.
“We believe in being held accountable… we also believe in personal growth.” pic.twitter.com/90smRgdLjv
— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) July 22, 2026
Bridges pleaded no contest in 2022 to a felony charge stemming from a domestic violence case involving the mother of his children. He was sentenced to three years of probation, and the NBA later suspended him for 30 games. In October 2023, Bridges also faced criminal charges after allegedly violating a protective order, though those charges were later dismissed.
Because of that history, some fans have been uneasy about the move, making the acquisition one of the most polarizing decisions of the Suns’ offseason. Gregory acknowledged that rebuilding trust won’t happen overnight.
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
“Miles has taken responsibility for his actions,” the general manager said. “He’s shown remorse for those actions. He’s gone through counseling and is continually, on a daily basis, doing things for his personal growth… We will hold him accountable to the same high standards as everybody who is part of the Phoenix Suns organization. We also recognize that trust is not given, it’s earned, and Miles understands that for him to earn the trust of his teammates, our fans and our great community, it’s going to be based on his daily actions.”
Gregory wasn’t the only one to address the situation. Bridges also acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding his arrival in Phoenix and said he understands earning the trust of the organization, its fans and the community will take time.
Apr 12, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) shoots the ball against the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
“I know it’s going to be like, it’s mixed feelings about me being here,” Bridges said. “But I take full responsibility for my actions. I’ve been to counseling. I’ve been to therapy, and right now I’m just prioritizing being better as a man every day on and off the court, mainly off the court. Just being a great father and earning the trust of this fan base and this community. I can’t wait to get started.”
Whether that trust is ultimately earned remains to be seen.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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