Now in his second season with the Phoenix Suns following a trade from the Washington Wizards, Bradley Beal‘s time with the team has been a disappointment. Across parts of two seasons, Beal is averaging 18.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in Phoenix. On paper, these are not bad numbers for the three-time All-Star. However, given his five-year, $251 million contract, the Suns were hoping for more production from Beal. This also includes a $57.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
Beal’s Suns stint hit a new low after reports indicated that he will move to the bench. At this point, it seems that the Suns are doing whatever they can to trade Beal. However, the 31-year-old has a no-trade clause, making a trade difficult for Phoenix to execute. Regardless, according to NBA insider John Gambadoro, Beal would waive his no-trade clause for three teams. These teams are the Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.
As for Beal the no-trade looms large. He could have went to Milwaukee before he ended up in Phoenix but that was turned down. Have heard he would waive no trade for LA, Miami, Denver but I do believe there are a few others that he could ultimately decide work for him.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 6, 2025
Bradley Beal Would Waive No-Trade Clause for 3 Teams, Per Insider
Miami Heat Have No Interest in Bradley Beal Trade
One of the teams we can likely cross off would be the Heat. Miami is in a trade saga of their own with Jimmy Butler, who has requested a move away from the team. According to reports, Butler and the Suns have mutual interest. Naturally, a deal involving that would send Butler to Phoenix and Beal to Miami could make sense. However, according to the Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang (subscription required), the Heat are not interested in trading for Beal.
“The Phoenix Suns are among the teams interested in trading for Butler, but the complication is that Suns guard Bradley Beal would very likely need to be involved in that deal to make the salary-cap math work. The Heat is not interested in acquiring Beal’s no-trade clause, meaning the Suns would need to find a third team to take Beal and Beal would also need to approve of being dealt to that team.”
With Miami likely not a realistic destination for Beal, that leaves the Nuggets and Lakers. On paper, a trade to either place could make sense as they each look to maximize their championship window. However, for financial reasons, a trade involving Beal would prove difficult for any team potentially interested in him.
The Last Word
Despite his lackluster Suns run so far, there is no doubt that Beal is still a productive player. Many questioned his fit alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, and so far, those doubts are fair. With the trade deadline a month away, Beal has now seemingly become a legitimate trade candidate. The Suns are 15-18 and are on the downslope after a good start to the season. A change might be necessary, and moving on from Beal could help them right the ship.
