The Phoenix Suns may be playing it cool publicly, but the trade buzz around Miles Bridges isn’t going away anytime soon.
In a recent sit-down with Zach Lowe on The Lowe Post, Suns owner Mat Ishbia addressed the swirling rumors linking Phoenix to the Charlotte Hornets forward. While Ishbia didn’t name names - and couldn’t, per league rules - Lowe made it crystal clear who he was referring to: an Eastern Conference power forward, a Michigan State alum, and a player with a complicated off-court history. That description fits Bridges to a tee.
“I know that guy that you are referencing,” Ishbia responded. “And he’s a great player and a winner on the court.
He believes in a lot of things we do, but there’s nothing to it right now. There’s nothing even close that we’re talking about.”
That’s not exactly a hard “no.”
While Ishbia emphasized that no deal is in the works at the moment, he left the door open for future moves - especially ones that align with the team’s long-term vision. “If a good opportunity comes up, whether it’s a position that we need,” he said, “it’s got to be aligned with the age that we’re building and the toughness, and the type of guys we want.”
Translation: the Suns aren’t rushing into anything, but they’re not shutting the window either.
Bridges, a talented forward with a strong two-way game, has been under the microscope since his 2022 arrest for felony domestic violence. He’s back on the court now, and his play has reportedly drawn interest from several contenders. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Suns are one of three teams - along with the Bucks and Warriors - that have shown real interest in acquiring the 25-year-old.
The challenge? Convincing Charlotte to part with him.
While the Hornets are clearly fielding calls, they’re not biting on every offer. Milwaukee’s reported interest has reportedly hit a snag, with Charlotte showing little enthusiasm for a potential Kyle Kuzma return. Draft picks are expected to play a key role in any serious discussions, and that could tilt the scales in favor of a team like Phoenix, which still has some flexibility in that department.
All this comes as the Suns are starting to find their stride on the court. Their recent 114-96 win over the Pistons - who currently own the best record in the East - was a statement.
With Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal finally healthy and clicking, Phoenix has the look of a team ready to make a deep run. But even with the Big Three in place, there’s still room for a versatile, physical forward who can defend multiple positions and finish around the rim.
Bridges fits that mold.
Whether or not a deal materializes before the February 5 trade deadline remains to be seen. Ishbia insists the Suns “like our team” - and there’s good reason for that. But in a Western Conference race that’s as tight as ever, a well-timed move could be the difference between a playoff team and a title contender.
Keep an eye on Phoenix. The front office may be quiet for now, but the Suns are very much in the mix.