Devin Booker is set to receive a boost with the Phoenix Suns' trade for Miles Bridges on June 28, 2026. The Suns acquired Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick from the Charlotte Hornets.
What happened?
The trade saw the Suns give up Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and a 2033 first-round pick. This move is expected to address the team's need for a forward with strength.
Why it matters for Devin Booker
Bridges' addition will provide Devin Booker with a reliable secondary scorer, having averaged 19.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game over his last four seasons. His ability to score in isolation and in the pick-and-roll will be valuable to the Suns.
What comes next?
The Suns will need to re-sign Bridges, who is a free agent in 2027. They will also have to manage their draft picks, having given up a 2033 first-round pick. The team still has picks in 2027, 2028, and 2030, as well as their own 2032 first-rounder.
The Suns' offense may face challenges due to the lack of outside shooting, with Devin Booker having regressed as a 3-point shooter over the last two years, averaging 33.1 percent. However, the addition of Bridges will put more pressure on the rim, and the team's increased size will be beneficial defensively.
Bridges, 28, has been relatively healthy in his career, despite missing significant time in 2022 due to domestic violence and child abuse charges. He pleaded no contest to felony domestic violence and was issued a 30-game suspension that carried over as 10 games for the start of the 2023-24 season.
The trade has been graded a B-, indicating a positive move for the Suns. With Bridges on board, Devin Booker will have a stronger supporting cast, which should help him perform better in the upcoming season.
The Hornets, on the other hand, will look to continue their makeover, having moved Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball. They will focus on bringing in more outside shooting to complement their existing roster.
The trade is a significant development for the Suns, and it will be interesting to see how they perform with their new lineup. Devin Booker and Miles Bridges will look to make a strong partnership and lead the team to success in the upcoming season.