PHOENIX – The Miles Bridges era of Phoenix Suns basketball is not off to a great start. Once the trade was official, many fans across the Valley were not happy for a multitude of reasons. The package given up, the quality of Miles Bridges as a player and serious off the court issues. Suns fans on social media had plenty to say from when the deal was first reported on June 28th to Bridges introductory press conference on Wednesday, which he addressed the mixed feelings from the Valley.
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Apr 14, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) goes to the basket against Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) during the second half during the play-in rounds between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-
Bridges on mixed feelings from the fanbase:
The 28-year-old was charged with three felony counts in 2022, two for child abuse and one for causing harm to a parent of a child. Bridges pleaded not guilty to the charges, but four months later changed his plea for the charge of injuring a child’s parent to no contest. The changed led to him receiving a plea deal of no jail time and three years of probation.
In the plea deal, Bridges had to do a year worth of domestic violence counseling, 100 hours of community service and a 10-year protective order with the woman in the case. Less than a year into the protective order, Bridges would be accused of violating it and injury to personal property. However, those charges were dropped five months later by North Carolina prosecutors for insufficient evidence and inconsistent statements from the victim.
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
The two instances are more complicated than two paragraphs can describe them, but the off-court issues are a baggage general manager Brian Gregory knew about when trading for him. Bridges had an eight-year history with the Charlotte Hornets fanbase to earn their trust during that dark time for him and felt a part of their culture and family.
“Y’all really don’t know me like that. I’ve been in Charlotte for 8 years, I’ve done a lot of stuff in their community and I’ve earned their respect and trust, and I know I have to do that here,” Bridges said at his introductory press conference. “I’m committed to being in the community, I’m committed to everyone getting to know me as a person.”
That grace won’t be in Phoenix, at least for the immediate future. Could the 6’7 wing earn respect from the fans with his highlight worthy dunks and great play on the court? For some, yes. However, there will be a portion of the fanbase that will not be able to ignore his past, which is their right.
Apr 2, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) works the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1)during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
From a basketball perspective, it’s already a challenge for a change of scenery after eight years, but to have this unwelcoming of an arrival can hurt a player’s mental. Head coach Jordan Ott is one of the best in the business, and he’ll make Bridges life much easier on the court at the beginning.
Despite that, Gregory took a massive risk on Bridges to reliving all his past trauma and overcoming it heading into the 2026-2027 season. If his statements during the press conference was any indicator, Bridges focus is set on earning the trust of the Valley. But, the question remains on whether its even there to earn in the first place?
Miles Bridges joins the Phoenix Suns, but fans remain divided over his past
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
