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[Jolly Sports News] The Phoenix Suns are unraveling fast, and Bradley Beal might already be plotting his next move.
According to Suns insider John Gambadoro, Beal has identified three teams he’d waive his no-trade clause for: the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Denver Nuggets.
Beal, a three-time NBA All-Star, finds himself at a crossroads as the Suns struggle with a 15-18 record despite having the league’s highest payroll. His performance this season has been underwhelming, averaging just 17.8 points and 3.1 assists per game.
Recently, Beal was demoted from the starting lineup amid Phoenix’s four-game losing streak and 10 losses in their last 13 games. Reports of locker room tension and frustration have only added fuel to the fire.
Trading Beal, however, won’t be easy. His contract is considered one of the worst in the NBA: $50.2 million this season, $53.7 million next, and a $57.1 million player option for 2026-27. Add his full no-trade clause, and moving him becomes a logistical and financial nightmare.
Among his preferred destinations, the Lakers seem the least feasible due to a lack of assets and cap space unless a third team gets involved. Miami faces its own challenges, including a worsening Jimmy Butler situation, and hasn’t shown interest in taking on Beal’s bloated deal.
Denver might be the best fit, as they need a shooting guard after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s departure and want to capitalize on Nikola Jokic’s prime. But acquiring Beal could require parting with key pieces like Michael Porter Jr. and salary filler, making other trade options more appealing.
If Beal is serious about leaving Phoenix before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, he may need to expand his list of acceptable teams. Otherwise, he risks being stuck in an increasingly volatile Suns environment for the foreseeable future.
