The Phoenix Suns continued on a downward spiral this season. After being swept out of the NBA Playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, they followed up by posting a disappointing 36-46 record, missing out on the NBA Play-In Tournament, and finishing as the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference.
There were many reasons for the decline, one of which was their atrocious defense. They finished the season as the third-worst team in terms of defensive efficiency, in front of only the New Orleans Pelicans and the Utah Jazz.
Bradley Beal, Phoenix Suns
Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Surprising mock trade sends Bradley Beal to Bucks, Suns land $112 million guard
The Suns wasted no time making changes, as they fired head coach Mike Budenholzer the day after the regular season ended. That proved to be just the first move, as the Suns soon after moved James Jones into a senior advisory role and installed Brian Gregory as the new general manager.
While all eyes are on the Suns amid Kevin Durant trade rumors, a recent article by ESPN suggests that Suns shooting guard Bradley Beal could be on the move. It has the Suns trading Beal, Royce O'Neale, and the No. 29 pick in next week's NBA Draft for Pat Connaughton and Damian Lillard.
"On paper, there is logic to a swap of Beal for Lillard," wrote Kevin Pelton. "The Bucks were linked to Beal during the season, when it would have meant building a package around the now-departed Middleton, and getting nothing out of Lillard's $54 million salary while he recovers from Achilles surgery might not be tenable."
Bradley Beal
Apr 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at Footprint Center.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Beal's contract is arguably the worst in the NBA. He's due to make $53.66 million next season and has a player option for $57.12 million for the following season. To make it even worse, he's the only player in the NBA other than LeBron James with a no-trade clause.
If the Suns are ready to move on from Beal, waiting for Lillard's return might not seem so bad," Pelton wrote. "And if he is able to return at something close to his All-Star form at age 35, Lillard would be a better fit alongside Devin Booker in the Phoenix backcourt. However, it's unlikely the two sides will agree on how much more valuable Lillard is while injured than Beal."
If the Suns can miraculously get anyone to take Beal off their hands, it should be considered a win, even if they have to hold onto Lillard.