The Phoenix Suns have landed their new starting power forward for the 2026-27 season, and they beat out the Los Angeles Lakers to do it.
According to The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin, Phoenix has officially announced the trade for Miles Bridges, who had already been around his new teammates in Las Vegas during NBA Summer League. Rankin also noted that the Lakers had interest in trying to acquire Bridges this summer, per NBA reporter Evan Sidery.
“The Phoenix Suns have officially announced the trade for Miles Bridges, who has been with his new teammates in Las Vegas during NBA Summer League,” Rankin wrote Monday.
“The Suns dealt Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and a 2033 unprotected first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Bridges, a first-round pick in 2029, and a second-round pick in 2027. The Arizona Republic confirmed the trade on June 28, and the Suns announced it on July 13.”
Bridges, a former Los Angeles Clippers lottery pick who was involved in a 2018 draft night trade for two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, now heads to Phoenix on a deal worth $75 million. The move gives the Suns a player who has long flashed the kind of tools that can tilt a wing rotation.
During his run with Charlotte, Bridges showed the kind of game that made him such a tough cover when he was right. He brought explosive two-footed leaping, a reliable mid-range touch, and enough defensive versatility to make him more than just a scorer. Off-court issues, though, were part of the story too.
In 501 total games with the Hornets, Bridges averaged 15.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 46.1% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range.
His perimeter shot is still a work in progress, but Phoenix is clearly betting that Bridges can lift its wing production right away.
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