Bradley Beal’s stint with the Phoenix Suns hasn’t been the smoothest considering the Suns were swept in the first round last year and hold a 16-18 record. Brought in to form a star-studded Big Three with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, Beal has struggled to find his role on a team already loaded with scoring talent.
His performances have been underwhelming considering his status, and he was even benched last game, sparking speculation about his long-term fit in Phoenix. With three years remaining on his massive contract—worth $50.2 million, $53.7 million, and $57.1 million—alongside a no-trade clause, moving Beal won’t be easy. But if the Suns decide it’s time to pivot, some teams might be willing to roll the dice.
Although Beal is no longer the All-Star-caliber player he once was, his scoring ability still makes him a valuable asset for teams looking to make a playoff push. The challenge lies in finding the right deal that benefits both sides. Below, we explore some of the best trade packages from teams that could realistically take on Beal’s contract, examining how each move might work for the Suns and their potential trade partners.
Miami Heat
Proposed Trade Details
Miami Heat Receive: Bradley Beal, 2026 Second-Round Pick (DEN), 2031 Second-Round Pick (DEN)
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jimmy Butler
Acquiring Bradley Beal gives the Miami Heat an offensive upgrade considering the Jimmy Butler situation in Miami is getting uglier following a seven-game suspension. Despite his decline from All-Star form, Beal remains a capable scorer, averaging 18.1 points per game this season while shooting 48.9% from the field.
Pairing Beal with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro creates a balanced trio of scorers, and Beal’s ability to thrive as a secondary or tertiary option fits well into Miami’s system. The inclusion of two second-round picks adds long-term value for Miami as they position themselves for sustained competitiveness.
Phoenix gets Jimmy Butler, a proven leader and playoff performer who thrives in high-pressure moments. Since the Suns will be the only team that will pay Butler what he wants, this partnership works for both parties.
Butler, averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists so far this season, brings a defensive edge and the kind of grit that Phoenix lacked in their recent postseason run. Butler’s ability to facilitate offense could help Kevin Durant and Devin Booker focus more on scoring.
While Butler is older and has an equally large contract ($52.4 million player option next year as he seeks a max extension), his fit alongside Durant and Booker feels more natural than Beal’s. This trade makes sense for both teams since Miami is likely to move on from Butler as soon as possible. For Phoenix, replacing Beal with Butler strengthens their championship odds immediately, albeit at the cost of some future flexibility.
Los Angeles Lakers
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Bradley Beal, 2026 Second-Round Pick (DEN), 2031 Second-Round Pick (DEN)
Phoenix Suns Receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino
The Lakers land Beal to form a star trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, bolstering their offensive firepower. Beal’s season averages of 18.1 points and 3.2 assists per game show his ability to thrive as a scorer and secondary playmaker, making him a valuable addition.
With LeBron and AD as the focal points (with Austin Reaves adding 18.4 PPG as the third option), Beal would face less defensive pressure, potentially increasing his efficiency. Losing role players like Rui Hachimura and Max Christie is a hit, but for the Lakers, acquiring Beal is about maximizing their championship window.
Phoenix’s return focuses on depth, with players like Hachimura (12.1 PPG on 48.2% shooting) and Christie offering long-term potential. Jarred Vanderbilt adds defensive versatility when healthy, and Jalen Hood-Schifino provides a developing guard who could contribute in the future. This trade bolsters Phoenix’s bench while giving them more flexibility, particularly if Durant or Booker misses time.
For the Lakers, this trade comes down to risk versus reward. They sacrifice depth and youth for a shot at a championship, while the Suns gain the role players needed to build a more balanced roster. However, it’s a gamble for Phoenix, as they’d lose a proven scorer in Beal for a collection of unproven talent.
Los Angeles Clippers
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns Receive: PJ Tucker, Terance Mann, Kris Dunn, Bones Hyland, Nicolas Batum
The Clippers acquiring Bradley Beal would be an eyebrow-raising move, especially since Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac will off the table. A trade centered around Terance Mann, Kris Dunn, Bones Hyland, and others lacks the star power needed to justify this deal for Phoenix.
However, the Clippers could involve a third team to offload assets or picks, potentially sweetening the deal. The idea of pairing Beal with Leonard, Harden, and Zubac could give L.A. one of the most potent lineups in the West, but concerns about fit and defensive liabilities linger.
For the Suns, this deal lacks clear value. Terance Mann and Bones Hyland are promising but inconsistent players and veterans like PJ Tucker and Nicolas Batum wouldn’t move the needle much for a team aiming for a title. The Suns might prefer younger players or draft capital, which the Clippers would need to involve another team to provide. Without those additions, Phoenix would be taking on significant risk with little upside.
Realistically, the Clippers and Suns are not the best trade partners in a Beal deal. While L.A. might want to create a Big Three with Beal, Leonard, and Harden, the lack of high-value assets limits the feasibility of this trade. A third team is almost mandatory for this deal to work, and even then, Phoenix might balk at the limited return.
Sacramento Kings
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns Receive: Malik Monk, Kevin Huerter, Trey Lyles, Alex Len, 2026 Second-Round Pick (DEN)
The Sacramento Kings, already boasting an interesting offensive lineup (116.0 PPG), could add another scoring weapon in Bradley Beal. While they would lose Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter—key pieces of their perimeter attack—Beal’s efficiency and ability to create his own shot could elevate their title chances.
Beal’s career averages of 22.1 PPG on 46% shooting make him an excellent complement to De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and DeMar DeRozan. The Kings would bet on Beal’s veteran presence to push them deeper into the postseason, even if his hefty contract poses long-term risks.
For Phoenix, this trade emphasizes depth and balance. Malik Monk brings scoring punch (13.5 PPG on 35.9% 3PT), while Kevin Huerter’s sharpshooting (40.2% 3PT in 2022-23) addresses their need for floor spacing. Trey Lyles and Alex Len provide frontcourt versatility, and the 2026 second-round pick adds minor value for a team with limited draft assets. While the Suns lose star power, they gain depth that could make them a more well-rounded contender.
This trade is a win-win in theory. The Kings upgrade their roster for a postseason push, while the Suns strengthen their supporting cast. However, Sacramento’s reluctance to part with key role players and Phoenix’s desire for more immediate impact pieces might make this deal hard to finalize.
Chicago Bulls
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns Receive: Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball, Torrey Craig
Acquiring Bradley Beal could provide the Chicago Bulls with a much-needed shake-up to their stagnant roster. Beal’s scoring and playmaking offer an immediate upgrade, especially given Lonzo Ball’s ongoing injury concerns. Pairing Beal with Zach LaVine and Coby White might create spacing challenges, but the Bulls’ offense would undoubtedly become more dynamic. Beal’s 18.1 PPG as the third option shows he can still be a go-to option, even if his defensive liabilities remain a concern.
Phoenix lands Nikola Vucevic, a skilled big man who is averaging 20.5 PPG and 10.2 RPG this season. Vucevic’s ability to stretch the floor and operate in the post could give the Suns a new dimension offensively. Lonzo Ball, if healthy, offers elite playmaking and defense, but his lingering knee issues make him a major gamble. Torrey Craig, a former Sun, brings defensive toughness and familiarity with Phoenix’s system.
While Beal gives the Bulls a high-scoring guard to pair with their stars, the Suns might hesitate to take on Vucevic’s contract and Ball’s injury risks. This deal would depend heavily on Phoenix’s evaluation of Ball’s long-term health and Vucevic’s fit in their system because they did end up benching Jusuf Nurkic and might want a new center.
New Orleans Pelicans
Proposed Trade Details
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Josh Okogie
Phoenix Suns Receive: Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Antonio Reeves
For the New Orleans Pelicans, acquiring Bradley Beal adds yet another offensive weapon alongside Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. Beal’s scoring efficiency and ability to play off-ball could be a seamless fit in New Orleans’ lineup. Additionally, adding role players like Grayson Allen (38.3% 3PT) and Josh Okogie boosts their depth. This trade would signal the Pelicans’ commitment to contending in a stacked Western Conference.
Phoenix makes a blockbuster move by acquiring Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, giving them two experienced and versatile scorers. Ingram’s 22.2 PPG and McCollum’s offense (22.8 PPG) would complement Durant and Booker perfectly, creating an unstoppable offensive trio. Antonio Reeves adds intriguing upside as a young prospect. The Suns would likely become instant favorites in the West with this deal.
This trade would drastically improve Phoenix and it is due to New Orleans’ desire to prioritize moving on from Ingram. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move for both sides, with the Pelicans betting on Beal to finally unlock their potential.
Portland Trail Blazers
Proposed Trade Details
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Bradley Beal, 2031 First-Round Pick (PHX)
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jerami Grant, Deni Avdija
The Portland Trail Blazers acquiring Bradley Beal signals an aggressive push to stay competitive alongside young star Scoot Henderson. Beal’s scoring prowess provides an immediate boost, giving the Blazers a proven offensive option in key moments.
Pairing Beal with Henderson and Deandre Ayton could create an intriguing core. However, Beal’s massive contract limits future flexibility, making this deal a significant financial commitment. Adding the 2031 first-round pick from Phoenix could cushion the risk if Beal’s production declines over time.
Jerami Grant offers Phoenix a versatile forward capable of defending multiple positions and contributing offensively (15.0 PPG on 38.2% 3-PT FG this season). Deni Avdija, a young forward with an all-around upside (13.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 3.2 APG), provides the Suns with another developmental piece.
While this trade sacrifices Beal’s star power, it strengthens the Suns’ depth, which has been a major concern during their postseason runs. Grant’s contract ($32,000,001 and $34,206,898 over the next two seasons), however, is substantial, which Phoenix would need to weigh carefully.
This trade provides a solid blend of veteran presence and young talent for Phoenix, while Portland takes a gamble on Beal’s ability to stay healthy and productive. Both sides would need to assess whether the financials and on-court fit align with their long-term goals.
Detroit Pistons
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns Receive: Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr.
The Detroit Pistons acquiring Bradley Beal would signal their transition from a rebuilding team to one ready to compete. Beal could serve as a mentor and offensive anchor alongside Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
However, Beal’s fit within a young, developing core could be challenging, especially with his hefty salary potentially limiting future moves. His scoring would bring immediate credibility to Detroit’s offense, but his defensive limitations might clash with the Pistons’ emphasis on toughness.
Phoenix would receive Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr., both solid veterans capable of contributing immediately. Harris, a consistent scorer and floor spacer (13.4 PPG, 44.6% FG), could fit well alongside Durant and Booker. Hardaway Jr.’s shooting (36.3% 3PT) addresses Phoenix’s need for reliable perimeter options. While neither player replaces Beal’s star status, their contracts are shorter, offering flexibility for future moves.
This trade provides Phoenix with experienced contributors while allowing Detroit to make a splashy addition. However, it’s a risky move for the Pistons, as Beal’s contract could hinder their ability to continue building around their young core.
Washington Wizards
Proposed Trade Details
Washington Wizards Receive: Bradley Beal
Phoenix Suns Receive: Jordan Poole, Richaun Holmes
For the Wizards, reacquiring Bradley Beal might seem counterintuitive, but his presence could stabilize a roster in flux. Beal’s familiarity with the franchise could help rebuild their identity, particularly if paired with an impact role player like Kyle Kuzma (15.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG). His veteran leadership could also benefit the team’s younger players, although his no-trade clause and salary remain obstacles to future flexibility.
Phoenix receiving Jordan Poole and Richaun Holmes offers an intriguing mix of youth and positional depth. Poole, despite an inconsistent year (21.8 PPG but 43.5% FG), has shown flashes of star potential and could thrive in a system with Durant and Booker. Holmes provides a much-needed interior presence for the Suns, especially in a backup role. While neither player has Beal’s pedigree, their combined impact could give Phoenix a more balanced roster.
This trade could provide both teams with an opportunity to reshape their rosters, but the Wizards would need to carefully weigh the optics of bringing Beal back. For the Suns, Poole’s upside and Holmes’ steady contributions could outweigh the immediate loss of Beal’s scoring.
