After trading Kevin Durant , the next logical step for the Phoenix Suns should be to look to deal Bradley Beal. According to Legion Hoops , per Sports Arizona’s John Gambadoro, the team is looking to either deal or buyout the veteran 2-guard.
Beal’s time in Phoenix has undoubtedly played out differently than was envisioned when he was acquired in June 2023 to form their own big 3. However the three All-Stars proved to be less than the sum of their parts, with the Suns posting a 45-33 record in the 78 games with Beal, Booker and Durant sharing the court. The fit was so cumbersome amongst the three all stars that Beal started coming off the bench.
Availability has also been another issue. Beal has played in no more than 53 games in his two seasons with the Suns and has not participated in 60 or more games since the 2020-21 campaign.
Beal has over $110 million ( $110,794,880) owed to him on a 5-year $251 million deal he signed in 2022.
Another potential stumblng block is the no-trade clause that Beal has in his contract. He can wield it to steer the proceedings to a destination more desirable to him. It was his refusal to waive this clause that put the kybash on a potential Jimmy Butler trade.
In 53 games (38 starts), Beal averaged 17.0 points 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists on .497/.386/.803 splits.
