Suns' Trade for Miles Bridges Deemed "Worst Move of the Offseason"

The Phoenix Suns are officially set to enter the opening of the NBA's 2026 free agency on Tuesday under the backdrop of having an open roster spot - this is possible due to the agreed-upon trade that will send Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges to the Valley for Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale. 

The agreed upon trade is still polarizing move from all corners of the NBA world, as proponents of the deal point to increased financial flexibility and Bridges' raw production over a large sample as positives, while critics point to the clunky cultural fit on paper, as well as departing with two high-level three point shooters in the process. 

Among the critics of the deal is former NBA front office executive John Hollinger, who labeled the move as "short-sighted" decision that has potential to haunt the franchise moving forward. He also deemed the trade as the "worst move of the offseason."

More or less, the most vocal critics of the deal go beyond Bridges' checkered past off of the court to voice concerns - which also includes a highly skeptical point of view surrounding Phoenix's willingness to part with a 2033 first round draft selection.

The premise of trading away draft capital to acquire a "win-now" player without bearing a "win-now" roster is questionable process, but those labeling the trade as the "worst" move of the offseason aren't looking at the bigger picture of what Brian Gregory and Mat Ishbia are seeking to carry out.

Perhaps the most crucial big-picture point of view here is that making a move for Bridges could eventually spiral into even larger trades in the future - indicating that Gregory was playing chess the entire time.

Adding a controllable first round pick, opening the door to haul in a player of the caliber of Collin Sexton (or another top free agent guard), and shedding contracts that have potential to age less than gracefully all add context to the belief that this wasn't necessarily a short-sighted move. There is clear intention here from the Suns front office whether one is on one side of the argument or the other.

More work is to be done for the Suns in the weeks ahead, as the roster now desperately needs an extra injection of floor spacing, but the addition of Bridges adds a layer of athleticism, rim pressure, and scoring punch at the wing spot that wasn't previously in the fold. No, the Bridges trade isn't at the moment, and will not be the worst move of the offseason moving forward.

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Kevin Hicks is a contributing writer to SunsRoundtable. He can be reached on X @khicks_21.