PHOENIX – The Charlotte Hornets posted videos of behind the scenes footage of two massive trades they made this offseason, including the Miles Bridges deal to the Phoenix Suns. The 32-minute video devolves into the Hornets’ front office mindset trading two cornerstone pieces this Summer in Bridges and LaMelo Ball. General manager Jeff Peterson saw the two as a package deal, as if Charlotte trades one it will need to trade the other.
Peterson broke down the Suns’ interest in Bridges that dates back a “while”, and why their package was the most attractive to the front office.
Jan 31, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) follows through on a slam dunk against the San Antonio Spurs during second half action at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images
Peterson breaks down Suns trade (2:39-3:35):
Bridges is a proven 20-point scorer in this league and could help Phoenix, but as Peterson pointed out, that unprotected 2033 first-round pick could end up being very valuable. From 2031 to 2033, Phoenix currently has zero tradable first rounders. The franchise is putting plenty of stock into superstar guard Devin Booker still being a winning player in his age 34 to 36 season.
Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) celebrates with Devin Booker (1) against the Houston Rockets in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Hornets are clearly trying to pivot in a new direction by trading two of their longest tenured players, while general manager Brian Gregory and his staff are retooling adding the 28-year-old. The Suns are coming off being swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Injuries didn’t help the team’s case, but the talent disparity was still apparent.
Jun 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory in attendance of the Phoenix Mercury game against the Las Vegas Aces at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Bridges trade is Phoenix trying to make this core work and hoping luck breaks there way, while Charlotte sees a scenario where the franchise is in dire straits seven years from now. Jalen Green player option and Bridges free agency makes next offseason a crucial one for the Suns’ direction in the next few years. Bradley Beal’s $19.3 million in dead money until 2030 makes signing both a challenge.
However, with the lack of draft capital and cap flexibility, the franchise doesn’t have much of a choice but to stick with its core for short-term success.
Miles Bridges expected to have “big role” with Suns in 2026-2027 season
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
