The Phoenix Suns gave up a significant haul to get Miles Bridges, but they quickly filled their shooting needs by signing Luke Kennard to a two-year deal in free agency. Kennard got just $13 million, which was significantly less than what they owed to Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale over the next two years. Kennard has led the NBA in 3-point percentage in three of the last five years and is a career 44.2 percent long-range shooter. He is the perfect fit in Jordan Ott’s system and will be a sharpshooter next to Devin Booker.
The Suns gambled on Miles Bridges, and their trade history suggests it may go south. They wanted to move on from Allen and O’Neale to save money. Phoenix saw a replacement in free agency, and needed a difference-maker at the four if they want to make the playoffs in the West next season.
The Suns gave up an unprotected 2033 first-round draft pick in this deal that gives it scary downside. Some were suggesting it was a massive loss, but Phoenix swapped Allen and O’Neale for Bridges and Kennard. There are defensive questions, but they got more scoring and found an elite shooter to replace Allen.
Miles Bridges trade suddenly looks better for the Suns
The Suns have the perfect role for Kennard. He will play 20-25 minutes off the bench where he can space the floor, make a few plays, and get hidden defensively next to Jordan Goodwin and Ryan Dunn. Expect him to shoot over 44 percent from 3-point range, and fans hope coach Ott can find a way to up the volume.
Here is a look at the details of the Miles Bridges trade that was boosted after the Suns signed Kennard to fill Allen’s role.
Suns acquired: Miles Bridges, 2029 1st round draft pick, 2027 2nd round pick
Hornets received: Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, 2033 1st round pick
The Suns get the least favorable first round draft pick of Charlotte, Utah, Cleveland, or Minnesota in 2029, but it opens up Phoenix to trade their first-round pick in 2027, 2028, or 2029. Fans know owner Mat Ishbia isn’t investing in draft capital, so another trade could be coming.
Bridges is the best player in this trade. The Suns upgraded from O’Neale to Bridges. Allen is a better player than Kennard, but he also makes significantly more money. Phoenix got the better duo, saved some money, and has a chance to compete in the West next season.
Suns fans will be frustrated by Kennard’s defense, but coach Ott’s scheme and the players around him may mitigate the negative impacts. He will shoot the lights out on the other end, but fans know Kennard gives up too many buckets to play a significant playoff role.
Signing Luke Kennard to a reasonable contract made the Miles Bridges trade look better for the Phoenix Suns. It is too early to call it a win, but the franchise got better on paper. Credit to Mat Ishbia and the front office for being bold. Hopefully, it translates to the court, but only time will tell.
Add us as a preferred source on Google