In a chat with the media ahead of a game against the Pistons on Saturday, Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal opened up on his involvement in the latest NBA trade rumors. Beal brushed off the noise and explained how he’s learned not to let it affect him after so many years with the Wizards.
“Until one of them come to say something to me or talks to me, it’s just out there,” said Beal via Duane Rankin. “I’m a Phoenix Sun and I’m here and I’m in the uniform. I don’t pay attention to that. They did that with me for 10 years.”
Beal, 31, began his career with the Washington Wizards, where he played for 11 seasons. Alongside John Wall, he brought the Wizards to prominence in the East and set them up for a promising future. Over a decade with the franchise, he became their de-facto leader on the court and even earned a maximum contract from the organization, with a no-trade clause attached.
With averages of 22.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game on 46.0% shooting, Beal was a star for the Washington Wizards and there was a point where he was in play for a spot as one of the best guards in the league. But for all of Beal’s scoring success, he was never able to get the Wizards over the hump, and by the summer of 2023, both sides were ready to move on.
In a shocking blockbuster deal, the Suns ended up with Beal as part of a deal involving Chris Paul, Landy Shamet, and draft assets. Now, he’s part of a new “big three” with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. With averages of 17.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season, Beal is a core member of the roster and it’s hard to see him in anywhere but Phoenix right now.
But amid a challenging season (14-12 through the first 26 games), there has been some talk about Beal potentially being included in a win-now trade for the Suns. As a top-tier scorer and shooter, he has the type of skillset that can raise the ceiling for various teams but it remains to be seen if any team is willing to take on that enormous three-year, $160 million contract.
Fortunately for the 3x All-Star, he’s used to the noise by now. After years of neverending trade rumors with the Wizards, he’s figured out how to drown it all out and stay focused on the mission at hand.
For the Suns, the mission for now is to hold their ground and work their way out of the play-in bracket. At 9th in the West, there’s a lot of room for improvement with this team and it starts with Beal playing his role to perfection. If he can properly support the two superstars (Durant and Booker) it’ll likely be enough for the Suns to challenge the best teams in the NBA this year.
No matter what happens, Beal is in for the long haul just like he was with the Wizards for over a decade of his career. No. 3 is as loyal as they come and he’s not going to entertain any ideas of a possible trade deal.
All that’s on his mind now is the next game against the Detroit Pistons at Footprint Center. It’ll be their last home game before hitting the road, starting with a game against the Denver Nuggets on December 23rd at 10:00 PM EST at Ball Arena. The Suns will also play the Nuggets as the last game for the Christmas Holiday on December 25th (10:30 PM EST).
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