SerpApi.Org
The Phoenix Suns’ decision to acquire Miles Bridges was never going to be judged solely by what he brings between the lines. The trade represents another aggressive bet on the present, but it also forces the organization to defend its evaluation of Bridges as both a player and a person. At his introductory press conference, those two conversations unfolded side by side, offering a clearer picture of why Phoenix made the move and how it hopes to justify it.
After being acquired last month along with a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick in exchange for Phoenix’s unprotected 2033 first-round pick and key role players Royce O’Neale and Grayson Allen, much was made of the team once again trading a future pick to help the team immediately. Brian Gregory, however, is confident the deal was the right one based on the player Phoenix received in return.
Gregory said that the Suns “are always going to be good” and that, with the new lottery reform, the value of giving up an unprotected first-round pick is different from what it was previously. The team felt very comfortable with the deal, with Gregory saying it was a “fair deal,” and that the most important part of the trade was acquiring Bridges.
With domestic violence charges stemming from an off-court incident in 2022 shadowing Bridges’ recent career, Gregory said in his opening statement that Bridges would be held to the same standards as the rest of the organization, with “no wavering.” Additionally, he emphasized not only the importance of Bridges being held accountable for his past, but also the importance of his personal growth.
Gregory, who was a consultant at Michigan State during Bridges’ freshman year, has known him for a long time, along with some of his former coaches and mentors. Those personal relationships helped the team complete the deal and gain a stronger understanding of the player and person they acquired. He understands why so many Suns fans are alienated by the deal but believes Bridges has the chance to earn their trust.
Bridges knows that many are not happy with his arrival and took full responsibility for his past, citing his time in rehab and counseling. He also said he is looking for ways to help victims of domestic violence in Arizona.
Playing with Mark Williams from 2022 to 2025, Bridges looks to play the power forward position for the team alongside Williams, Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks in the starting lineup. In 77 games last year, Bridges averaged 17 points, six rebounds, and three assists on 46/33/82 shooting splits from the field, three-point range, and the charity stripe, respectively. During his time in Charlotte, he caught a lot of electrifying alley-oops and helped the team have its best season since 2015-2016.
With so much attention on his off-court actions, if his opening presser was any indication, his behavior off the court could be just as much of a talking point as his performance on it.
