Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory acknowledged that the team is aware of Miles Bridges' past legal troubles as the franchise formally introduced the forward on Wednesday. Bridges was arrested in 2022 on a domestic violence charge. He stated that he has since attended counseling and therapy.
"Like (general manager Brian Gregory) said, there’s mixed feelings about me being here," Bridges said. "I take full responsibility of my actions. I’ve been to counseling, I’ve been to therapy, and right now I’m just prioritizing, just like B.G. said, being better as a man every day, on and off court — mainly off the court — and just being a great father and earning the trust of this fan base and community."
The Suns finalized a trade for Bridges, acquiring him along with a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round selection from the Hornets in exchange for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neal, and a 2033 first-round pick.
Bridges was arrested in 2022 after an incident involving his wife, Mychelle Johnson, who alleged that he physically assaulted her. Bridges pleaded not guilty and reached a plea agreement that allowed him to avoid jail time. He sat out the entire 2022-23 NBA season and was later handed a 30-game suspension by the league in April 2023.
In October 2023, Bridges faced accusations of violating a protective order from an ex-girlfriend, which involved an incident where he allegedly threw billiard balls at her car. That case was later dropped.
Gregory described Bridges' past actions as "unacceptable behavior" but added that Bridges has taken responsibility and has engaged in counseling. "Those questions are part of his story," Gregory stated. "He’s dealt with them before and he’ll deal with them today as well. I think those questions, we were aware of and we knew about, and that’s also why we took this decision so seriously during the process and when we made it."
Gregory also emphasized the organization's expectations for Bridges. "I have no question at all that he understands the responsibility of what our organization’s expectations and value are. We will hold him accountable to the same high stands of everyone that is part of the Phoenix Suns organization. There will be no wavering on that."
Bridges, a 2018 first-round pick, spent his first eight NBA seasons with the Charlotte Hornets. Last season, he averaged 17.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. His career averages are 15.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
"I’m excited to be here, I feel like I’m going to be a great fit, excited to play with (Devin Booker), Jalen (Green), Dillon (Brooks), and the younger guys too, as well," Bridges remarked.