The Phoenix Suns are in a state of growing uncertainty in the aftermath of the Kevin Durant trade. Now that their failed "big three" has been broken up, it has raised many questions about what comes next for the organization and everyone involved.
After firing head coach Mike Budenholzer, team owner/governor Mat Ishbia remains committed to building a contender, and he knew it would take more major changes to get his team back on the winning track. While Bradley Beal has a no-trade clause, many believe his departure is the next domino to fall, and you might be surprised by the opportunities that await him in the league.
At 32 years old, with career averages of 21.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, Beal has the kind of skillset that can be hugely impactful in the right situation. And while he'd prefer not to leave the Suns, he might be willing to change his mind if one of these teams has an offer to make this offseason.
More Star Power For The Heat
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns Receive: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson
The Heat may have lost Jimmy Butler last season, but they still have Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, and a promising cast of young players that can make them a playoff threat in the East. With head coach Erik Spoelstra leading the show, we know Miami will be somewhat competitive, but if you add Beal to the mix, their potential increases tenfold. Besides years of experience, Beal also brings superior shot-making, and his ability to hit from the perimeter should prove valuable in Miami's offense.
In this deal, the Suns wouldn't get back any crazy names, but a package that includes Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson is not one to dismiss. Herro is a 1x NBA All-Star, and his consistent scoring will help the Suns make up for the loss of Durant and Beal. The addition of Robinson is good for more than just making the money work -- it also gives the Suns added depth at the backcourt to help support Beal.
Hornets Find Backcourt Partner For LaMelo
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns Receive: Miles Bridges, Josh Green, Grant Williams
Beal's three-year, $160 million contract is enough for most teams to stay clear of the 32-year-old veteran, but the Hornets may just be crazy enough to make an offer. They have been looking for a spark for years, cycling through various players in failed attempts to move up the NBA hierarchy. While LaMelo is an elite point guard, he can't carry this team on his own, and Beal would be an ideal candidate to help show him the ropes and alleviate some scoring pressure in the backcourt.
Meanwhile, the Suns get back two high-quality NBA vets in Miles Bridges and Grant Williams. While they each carry some baggage in their past, they make solid additions to any roster and should have no problem earning minutes in Phoenix. Arguably, the best part of this package for the Suns is Josh Green, a young two-way swingman who can grow and develop his chemistry alongside Devin Booker.
Beal Returns To D.C. In Emotional Proposal
Proposed Trade Details
Washington Wizards Receive: Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns Receive: Khris Middleton (sign-and-trade), Marcus Smart
The Wizards are nowhere near title contention right now, but they have a long history with Beal as the ones who gave him his massive five-year, $251 million supermax contract in 2022. The deal came with a rare no-trade clause, further inhibiting his value at the time. Nobody thought they'd ever bring him back, but they've already tried before, and it could be worth it for them if they pull off a sign-and-trade with one of their expiring veterans, Khris Middleton. Beal would not put the Wizards in contention, but he'd be a steady offensive presence for them and a good leader to have in a young locker room.
As for Middleton, he'd have to opt out of his player option and agree to some sort of sign-and-trade deal to get this to work, but the Suns are likely a much more desirable team than the Wizards, who are still in active rebuild mode. At least with Middleton and Smart, the Suns could be somewhat competitive with some added depth and scoring around Devin Booker. They also bring strong defense to the team as quality two-way players.
Bucks Need Replacement For Injured Star
Proposed Trade Details
Milwaukee Bucks: Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns Receive: Damian Lillard, 2031 first-round pick
The Damian Lillard saga has ended in tragedy for the Bucks after the star guard tore his left Achilles tendon in this year's playoffs. Milwaukee will now have to go an entire year without its starting point guard, which means another lost season for Giannis. Instead, they can get instant production by bringing Beal, who is also a strong shooter and isolation scorer. Plus, Beal is also a few years younger than Lillard, meaning he might have more of a window with Giannis.
This might sound like a loss for the Suns, but any deal that gets them a first-round pick is worth thinking about. In this case, while Dame is expected to be out for the entirety of next season, he might still be able to contribute meaningful minutes when he returns. Of course, the big thing for Phoenix in this package is the future first-round pick, which they could keep or use in another trade.
Right now, it's impossible to say what the future has in store for Beal and the Suns and but it's going to be an interesting development this summer. In the aftermath of another failed season, Phoenix has already changed its entire identity, and it's only just the beginning. They will not stop until they find the mix that leads to the desired results, even if it means trading away what's left of their star-studded core.
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