Any Phoenix Suns fan will tell you that the worst part about trading for Miles Bridges (other than, you know... the deserved heat) is giving up an unprotected first round pick in 2033.
That could be extremely valuable in years to come, but the here and now also took a hit with Phoenix losing two of their top seven guys in Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale.
Early indications Hornets will keep duo proving worth to playoff chasers
Since the deal went down, there has been zero chatter about the Charlotte Hornets flipping either veteran for picks or younger players. Which only goes to show how important both are if you're fighting to make the playoffs, and at helping to reset the culture for an organization.
The Hornets were fun last season, but had no problem saying goodbye not only to Bridges, but franchise cornerstone LaMelo Ball. They want to be taken seriously, and capable veterans who know their roles and don't need to be looked after will help get them there.
Which is exactly what Allen and O'Neale are, and it cannot be overstated how important they were during a period of transition for the Suns. Both proved they could play alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, while also taking on a bigger role once the latter and Bradley Beal have skipped town.
Allen in particular has struggled with injuries, and seemingly always at the worst possible times. But the Hornets have some intriguing young players and netted Naz Reid in the Ball deal, so the former Suns duo won't even be expected to do as much as they did in The Valley.
All of which is to say, a Phoenix organization that preached being about long-term building and getting the culture right may have given up on this pair too soon.
You can make the case this was the best time to flip both as their value has never been higher, and you would be right. But when you consider they only got Bridges in return, was it worth it? Taking such a hit to their depth and the makeup of a roster that somehow made the playoffs.
Head coach Jordan Ott (and those working behind the scenes alongside him) did a brilliant job of getting the most out of this group, but they gave up a lot of that stability in hopes their youngsters can begin to bridge the gap.
The fact a Hornets franchise that is quickly getting a reputation for winning trades pounced on this opportunity should concern the Suns.
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