Because the 2033 pick is unprotected, the Hornets are betting on a lot of luck and hoping the Suns are not a contending team seven years from now. By that time, Devin Booker—the Suns’ franchise pillar—would be 36 and may not be in his prime.
Why this draft asset could be a major hit for the Hornets
The unprotected 2033 first-round pick carries enormous potential, especially with the evolving NBA draft lottery format. The new system expands the lottery to 16 teams, including play-in participants, but limits the worst teams’ odds. This means the Suns could find themselves as a mid-tier contender in the Western Conference by 2033, competing in or near the play-in, while Charlotte would still hold a strong chance of landing a top-four pick that year.
From a value perspective, this asset is meaningful for Charlotte after they traded Bridges, who was under an expiring contract, along with other future considerations, for a package that included a 2029 first-round pick with restrictions and a 2027 second-round pick, in addition to the unprotected 2033 selection. The trade shifted the Hornets’ timeline to emphasize young talent and future draft capital.
Context around the deal
Reports indicated that the Suns had long targeted Bridges, a 28-year-old with a similar timeline to Booker. The move also allowed Phoenix to add frontcourt depth and clear a roster spot ahead of free agency, while capturing cost savings and tax advantages. On Charlotte’s side, the deal delivered two veteran, playoff-tested role players in Allen and O’Neale, plus the highly valuable 2033 unprotected first-round pick.
The trade also followed a separate deal in which Charlotte moved superstar LaMelo Ball and role player Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Naz Reid, another unprotected 2033 first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps, and three second-round picks. This sequence underscores Charlotte’s aggressive pivot toward building a robust pool of future assets.
Hornets’ 2033 draft capital and projected path
With the Miles Bridges trade, Charlotte now owns three first-round picks in the 2033 draft. One is their own, with two additional selections from the Timberwolves and Suns. In a deep Western Conference, acquiring assets tied to teams that could undergo significant changes over the next several years represents a strategic bet: if those teams’ futures don’t pan out, Charlotte could reap substantial rewards in 2033.
Looking ahead, the Hornets will rely on developing young players already in the fold. Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel are viewed as foundational pieces and leaders for the franchise in the coming years. By 2033, Miller would be in his prime at around 30, while Knueppel would be 27, positioning them to contribute at a high level alongside the franchise’s growing young core.
Bottom line
The Hornets are investing heavily in their future through these trades. By assembling three first-round picks in 2033 and surrounding them with developing stars, Charlotte positions itself to chase a transformative haul in what could be a pivotal draft year. The strategy hinges on the long arc of NBA talent development and the evolving landscape of Western Conference teams, but the potential upside for the Hornets is substantial if their young players progress and the 2033 draft class delivers top-tier talent.
Note: All referenced players, picks, and outcomes reflect the reported trades and publicly available analyses surrounding the 2033 draft assets and their potential impact on Charlotte’s long-term trajectory.
