You know we're entering into the quietest part of the Phoenix Suns' offseason when wild mock trades are being thrown out there, which is exactly what Sam Vecenie put forward on his "Game Theory Podcast" recently.
Fresh off of suggesting this Los Angeles Lakers forward could solve some of their offensive woes, he took that way of thinking a step further by putting together a mock trade for Charlotte Hornets' forward Miles Bridges.
Bridges would solve scoring issues in Phoenix but at great cost
The 28-year-old has averaged over 20 a game in three of the last four seasons, although did experience a downturn in 2025-26 (17.1 points per game) which can be explained. The Hornets are simply a better team now and rely on Bridges less, which is why the below trade proposal from Vecenie is at least worth considering.
Having a first round draft pick in this year's draft also holds appeal, as the Suns have done a nice job of adding talent that way in recent years. The Suns and Hornets also have a good relationship with several deals going down across the last couple of seasons, with the likes of Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Okogie and Mark Williams going from one franchise to the other.
A major stumbling block here however is the fact Bridges will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Devin Booker and Jalen Green are already on big money, while Dillon Brooks could be extended soon as well.
Williams is looking for his own new deal this summer having seen his rookie contract end, while both Jordan Goodwin and Collin Gillespie have to be brought back.
A trade for Bridges likely means other movement happening down the road as well, although there is no denying he is among the best and most realistic targets to help the team score more consistently.
Giving up a big man with clear upside in Khaman Maluach is risky, and he could end up making the Suns look as foolish as they did for giving away Toumani Camara. Grayson Allen's future might be away from Phoenix, and trading him to free up some cap space when his value has never been higher does make sense.
But this remains a risky move for the Suns, albeit one that is in line with having Booker on the roster.
Bridges gives them a better chance to win now, and the fit alongside Brooks and even Green does make sense. The asking price feels high on this one, with Maluach a potential game-changer defensively.
No deal.
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