The Chicago Bulls are a team to monitor ahead of next month’s NBA Trade Deadline. As potential sellers, the Bulls have a few trade candidates of their own, such as Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, and Nikola Vucevic. Furthermore, they have been rumored as a team to keep an eye on in a potential Jimmy Butler trade. A Butler-Chicago reunion is unlikely. However, the Bulls reportedly are a team that could be involved in a multi-team trade that sends Butler to the Phoenix Suns. In this potential trade, the Bulls would likely receive Bradley Beal in exchange. However, this now seems unlikely.
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, Beal, who has a no-trade clause, does not have interest in joining the Bulls.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal will not waive his no-trade clause to go to the Chicago Bulls, a source familiar with the three-time All-Star’s thinking told The Athletic.
The Bulls had been mentioned as one team the Suns could use to facilitate a hypothetical trade for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler.
Top Trade Candidate Not Interested in Chicago Bulls
Bradley Beal ‘Comfortable’ Remaining in Phoenix
The Suns have interest in trading Beal for two reasons. First, it is the only way for them to land Butler from the Miami Heat. Second, Beal’s contract is arguably the worst in the NBA as his on-court performances do not live up to his deal. This season, he is averaging 16.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Additionally, he has come off the bench in each of the last nine games, despite being a regular starter for most of his career. Regardless, Beal is reportedly open to staying with the Suns, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
“While the rumor mill has previously linked Bradley Beal to teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls in potential blockbuster scenarios with Butler landing in Phoenix, all evidence suggests Beal is comfortable staying in Phoenix, where he’s accepted his recent bench role in a professional manner despite being an All-Star three times and averaging over 30 points twice during his 11 seasons with the Washington Wizards.”
It is unclear how many teams have interest in Beal. However, it is fair to assume it is not many. Beal is still a valuable player, but his contract makes him an unattractive trade target. Additionally, his no-trade clause does not help either. Though the Suns want to trade him, they may have no choice but to keep him past the deadline.
The Last Word
From a basketball perspective, it makes sense that Beal does not want to end up in Chicago. He is 31 years old and does not fit the Bulls’ timeline. The Bulls are currently 20-27 and own the No. 10 seed in the East. They are barely a Play-In team and will likely not compete for a title anytime soon. If Beal truly wants to stay in Phoenix, it seems like that is the likeliest outcome. This year’s trade deadline is on February 6. Both the Bulls and Beal are worth monitoring until then.
