The Charlotte Hornets are executing an aggressive roster teardown. The franchise agreed to send veteran forward Miles Bridges and draft capital to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and an unprotected 2033 first-round pick. The transaction directly follows Charlotte’s recent trade of All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the agreement on Sunday. Along with the 28-year-old Bridges, Phoenix acquires a 2029 first-round pick—representing the least favorable of Utah’s, Minnesota’s, or Cleveland’s selections—and a 2027 second-round pick. The NBA moratorium period ends on July 6, which is when the teams will officially finalize the move.
The financial mechanics reshape the salary cap sheets for both franchises heading into free agency. Charlotte immediately saves $20 million in luxury tax penalties and opens a roster spot. Shedding $6.2 million in direct salary creates approximately $30 million in luxury tax penalty savings for the Suns, an NBC Sports breakdown verified. Phoenix also generates a $10.9 million traded player exception, restricting the team to the NBA’s first apron.
Bridges departs Charlotte after averaging 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds during the 2025-26 season. He is entering the final year of a contract paying him $22.8 million and becomes extension-eligible this offseason. His exit severs a historical tie for the 2018 NBA Draft class. Bridges was the single remaining first-round pick still playing for his original drafted team.
The acquisition aligns with the established roster-building preferences of Phoenix owner Mat Ishbia. Bridges played his collegiate basketball at Michigan State. This matches Ishbia’s well-documented tendency to target former Spartans alumni for the organization.