Blockbuster Trade in the Works: Bradley Beal’s Agent Greenlights Personal Terms with Golden State Warriors for Phoenix Suns Superstar
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Bradley Beal’s Agent Gives Verdict on Phoenix Suns Trade Rumors
With the NBA trade deadline now just two and a half weeks away, everyone around the NBA has their eyes on what the Phoenix Suns are going to do.
Phoenix has had a terrible season thus far. They were expected to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference this season due to them having one of the NBA’s highest payrolls and a superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Instead, they currently sit 10th in the West standings with a 22-21 record.
With the Suns struggling, they have been the subject of trade rumors this season. Of course, the main player that they have been linked to is the Miami Heats’ star forward but they would have to find a new home for Beal due to his contract if they want to acquire Butler.
Beal does have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can shut down any trade that he is in. There were reports that he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to join multiple teams, but his agent those rumors on Thursday.
“The reports that are out there are created out of thin air,” Bartelstein said when speaking to the Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin about rumors that Beal would waive his no-trade clause for the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Heat and Denver Nuggets. “Brad’s entire focus has been and is on getting healthy with his ankle and helping turn things around for the Suns.”
Bartelstein did not hold back about the rumors circulating around Beal, saying that they are not true and that Beal’s focus is on helping the Suns turn their season around.
This is massive news for the Suns as Beal would have to waive his no-trade clause for them to trade him, especially if they want to acquire Butler from Miami. With Beal being content in Phoenix despite being moved to the bench, the Suns may be stuck with their current big three unless they are able to persuade Beal to waive his no-trade clause ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is at the center of evolving trade rumors, fueling speculation about the team’s vision heading into the midseason.
Multiple reports have suggested that the Suns may consider moving Beal. The talented guard, who joined the squad in a blockbuster trade with the Washington Wizards last season, has had an uneven start to the campaign.
His role in Phoenix’s system alongside fellow All-Stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker has sparked questions about his fit. Amid the team’s struggles, the 31-year-old Beal has been relegated to an off-the-bench role.
There have been whispers that he would waive the no-trade clause in his contract to find a team where he could play a bigger role.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
His agent, Mark Bartelstein, refuted this—at least for now.
“There have been no discussions about trades with the Suns or any other team,” said Bartelstein in a report from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “Bradley’s total focus is on helping the Suns turn things around.”
The former Florida standout is averaging 17.8 points, his lowest since the 2015-16 season, on 14.4 attempts per game. He was limited to only 53 games in his first stint with the Suns due to injuries.
Beal, as cited in the report, also said he hasn’t heard anything from the Suns about being traded. He has been linked to the Miami Heat amid its unfolding saga with Jimmy Butler as well as with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls and the Denver Nuggets, among others.
Windhorst, however, reported that Bartelstein “did not rule out possibly waiving the (no-trade) clause for an approved deal” if a “perfect” deal arises.
“But that action is not currently under consideration, Bartelstein reiterated,” wrote the NBA insider.
Beal has two years and $110 million left on his contract after the season.
