The Phoenix Suns accomplished their first offseason goal on Sunday, trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets for a deal centered around Jalen Green and the 10th overall pick. With Durant off the team, the focus now shifts to All-Star guard Bradley Beal.
Appearing on Kevin O’Connor’s podcast for Yahoo Sports, John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports said the Suns will either trade Beal this season or negotiate a buyout to move on from him this summer.
Related: Phoenix Suns eyeing second blockbuster trade after Kevin Durant deal
Bradley Beal stats (ESPN): 17 PPG, 3.7 APG, 3.3 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 49.7% FG, 38.6% 3PT
Phoenix aggressively shopped Beal ahead of the NBA trade deadline in February, but the 31-year-old guard used his no-trade clause to prevent any deal. He’s made it very clear that he has zero interest in being traded and is happy with his situation, so a trade seems unlikely.
The Suns’ front office could try to convince him that, with Green acquired and a buyout being the only other option, he should waive his no-trade clause. That argument will likely not work, since a buyout means Beal can enter NBA free agency and pick where he wants to play next season.
Related: Phoenix Suns plans with Jalen Green after trade
Bradley Beal contract (Spotrac): $53.67 million (2025-26), $52.1 million player option in ’26
If trading him is off the table then Phoenix will have to negotiate a buyout with Beal’s camp, a process that could prove difficult since he would be sacrificing some of the money he is owed under the current deal. While there’s no timeline for when a buyout might be agreed to, it’s evident Beal won’t play for the Suns again.
NFL, MLB & college football writer for Sportsnaut. Graduated from San Diego State University with BA in Journalism, 2019. ... More about Matt Johnson