Bradley Beal, Suns
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Bradley Beal's time with the Phoenix Suns might run its course.
The Phoenix Suns just made one of the biggest moves of the NBA offseason, sending Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets — and it might only be the beginning. According to The Athletic, the Suns are expected to explore a trade for Bradley Beal next, as the franchise looks to reset after a chaotic, underwhelming season.
Phoenix Isn’t Done Yet
Per The Athletic’s Doug Haller, Sam Amick, and Kelly Iko, “The Suns are expected to try and part ways with Beal, but his salary and contract will make that difficult.” That includes a no-trade clause — one of just two in the entire league — and a massive remaining balance: nearly $111 million over the next two seasons, plus a $57.1 million player option in 2026–27.
Phoenix reportedly tried to move Beal back in February, but “never came close to making a deal.” Now, with Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and two first-round picks added in the Durant trade, Phoenix’s fit looks even murkier.
Decline in Play, Rise in Headaches
Since arriving in Phoenix, Beal has played in just 58 games. Across two seasons, he averaged 17.6 points per game. That’s a steep drop from the 30-plus point averages he posted during his peak years in Washington. His shot volume dipped next to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, but the inconsistency and injury issues are hard to ignore.
Speaking on The Kevin O’Connor Show, NBA reporter John Gambadoro didn’t hold back when asked about Beal’s future in Phoenix:
“I went out on a limb like three months ago and said there’s a zero percent chance that Bradley Beal is gonna be back,” Gambadoro said. “I’m gonna stick with that. I don’t think there’s any scenario where Bradley Beal comes back and plays for the Suns.”
via The Kevin O’Connor Show
At 32 years old and on a max deal, Beal is no longer viewed as a centerpiece. He’s viewed as a problem.
Phoenix Suns Face Tough Path: Trade or Buyout?
A trade isn’t simple. Beal holds the ultimate leverage. That no-trade clause means any move will require his approval. A buyout? Also complicated. It would take alignment on timing, destination, and next steps — not easy in today’s NBA.
Whether it’s a slow negotiation, a multi-team deal, or, reluctantly, a return to Phoenix — one thing’s clear: Beal’s days in the desert are numbered.