The NBA Trade Deadline is a few weeks away, and Bradley Beal is one of the top names to monitor. While nothing is official, the Phoenix Suns reportedly have interest in trading the former Washington Wizards guard. Since joining the team in 2023, Beal’s stint in Phoenix has been a bit disappointing. So much so that he is now coming off the bench and is the subject of major trade rumors. However, there are two major obstacles regarding a Beal trade for the Suns. First, he is in just the third year of his five-year, $251 million contract. Second, on top of having an expensive contract, Beal has a no-trade clause, making it even more difficult for the Suns to trade him. However, it seems that one of those obstacles may no longer be a problem.
Recently, The Athletic’s Fred Katz (subscription required), reported that Beal is willing to waive his no-trade clause. However, Katz also mentioned that Suns management has not “gauged where he wants out.”
“He would consider waiving his no-trade clause for the right destination, according to a source familiar with his thinking,” Katz wrote. “But as of now, management hasn’t gauged whether he wants out—and if so, to where? It’s not Beal’s style to approach a front office on his own. He went 11 years in Washington without asking for a trade. Once the Wizards finally moved him, it was because new leadership initiated the idea, not the other way around. He has told people close to him that if the Suns never ask him to waive the no-trade clause to facilitate a deal, then he won’t propose it on his own.”
Newest Bradley Beal Development Bodes Well for Potential Trade
One Team Has Already Ruled Out a Bradley Beal Trade
One of the top potential destinations for Beal is the Miami Heat. Heat star Jimmy Butler reportedly wants to end up in Phoenix, and the feeling is mutual. However, the Heat do not want to take on Beal and his contract just to move Butler, according to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang (subscription required).
“The Phoenix Suns are among the teams interested in trading for Butler, but the complication is that Suns guard Bradley Beal would very likely need to be involved in that deal to make the salary-cap math work. The Heat is not interested in acquiring Beal’s no-trade clause, meaning the Suns would need to find a third team to take Beal and Beal would also need to approve of being dealt to that team.”
The Last Word
At this point, it does not seem too likely that the Suns will trade Beal ahead of this year’s trade deadline. No reports have indicated otherwise, and his contract will make a deal difficult. However, a lot of crazier things have happened in the league. This season, Beal is averaging 17.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 30 games. While these are not bad stats on their own, the Suns still want better from their third-best player. Furthermore, he does not provide much value on the defensive side of the ball either.
Regardless, Beal is a name to continue monitoring ahead of the trade deadline. In all likelihood, he will remain in Phoenix. But if he is willing to waive his no-trade clause, a deal could be more likely than we think.
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