The Phoenix Suns just dropped a bomb at their media day, announcing they shipped Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and an *unprotected* 2033 first-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets. What did they get back? Miles Bridges, along with a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-rounder. That’s a huge move, and frankly, the owner and their franchise star are absolutely pumped about it.
Mat Ishbia Is All In on the Bridges Bet
Suns owner Mat Ishbia didn’t mince words at Mortgage Matchup Center, talking about the Miles Bridges trade. He’s “extremely great” about it, despite admitting they’ll “definitely miss those two guys,” Allen and O’Neale. But for Ishbia, Bridges is clearly the prize. He called him a “phenomenal player” who’s “done amazing things.” It’s not just skill, though. Ishbia highlighted Bridges’ “work ethic, his drive, his athleticism, his toughness.” This isn’t some random pickup, folks. The owner said Bridges “fits exactly what we’re building here in Phoenix” and that he was a “player that we targeted as that.” When an owner is that specific and enthusiastic, you know they’ve put some serious thought and capital behind the move, especially when a pick a decade out is involved!
Booker Sees the Missing Piece in Bridges
Franchise cornerstone Devin Booker couldn’t hide his excitement about sharing the court with Bridges. Booker sees Miles as a missing link for what Phoenix lacked last year, pointing directly to his “size, his versatility on both ends of the court.” This isn’t just a scorer, either. Booker called Bridges an “underrated playmaker from his position,” someone who can “get the rebound and push the break also.” Imagine the mismatches! Booker explicitly stated Bridges “can exploit matchups that aren’t his size,” giving them a serious advantage. Last season, Bridges played 77 games, putting up 17.1 points on 46% shooting, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. The 6-7, 225-pound forward brings that experience, athleticism, and physicality that Booker and the Suns clearly craved.
So, with the media day buzz out there, all eyes are on how Bridges integrates into this Phoenix squad. The trade clearly signals a strong commitment from the Suns’ front office, and with Booker already seeing the vision, the excitement for this season is definitely building in the desert. We’ll be watching to see if this big swing pays off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply