Following the Phoenix Suns win against the Philadelphia 76ers, Bradley Beal spoke to reporters about all the trade rumors. In his postgame interview, Beal had a clear message for the Phoenix Suns organization. Again, he reminded everyone that he has a no-trade clause and has control over his future.
Bradley Beal to the Suns “I Hold The Cards”
Bradley Beal led the Phoenix Suns with 25 points off the bench, but after the game, everyone wanted to know his opinion on the trade rumors involving him. When asked by reporters whether his move to the bench had something to do with trade rumors, Beal gave a clear answer. He said he had not heard anything from the team and continued,
“If so, I need to be addressed because I hold the cards. Until I’m addressed and somebody says something different, then I’ll be a Sun.”
Bradley Beal is one of two players in the league with a no-trade clause. The only other player is LeBron James. The 13-year veteran and multiple-time All-Star also talked about the change coach Mike Budenholzer made in the lineup. For the first time since the 2015-16 season, Beal came off the bench. The last time, he was returning from an injury with the Washington Wizards. Speaking about the move, Beal said,
“Coach made his decision. Live with it. It’s kind of twofold. I’m a starter in the league. I firmly believe that. No disrespect to anybody, but I’m a starter. Coach made a decision. I’m not going to sit there and argue with him. I’m not going to sit here and be a distraction.”
How Beal Controls His Future?
In addition to his no-trade clause, Beal has other assets to control his future. He is under contract this season as well as the next one, and he has a player option for the 2026-27 season. With that player option, Beal has power over teams that try to trade for him. He might give signals that he is not going to re-sign there, and that will make things more challenging for the team trying to get him.
On top of that, Beal earns about $50 million this season, and $53 next one. His player option is for around $57 million. Because the Suns are over the second apron, they cannot combine salaries to make a trade. That means that they can only send Beal in a trade, and no other players. The team trading for Beal might combine salaries, depending on their cap situation.
Bradley Beal Would Waive His No-Trade Clause for Some Teams
Recent reports are that Bradley Beal would consider waiving his no-trade clause for three teams in the league. Those are the Miami Heat, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Denver Nuggets. The problem is that the Miami Heat have hinted they are not interested in trading for Beal. That leaves the Lakers and the Nuggets.
Any trade that the Suns could make for Jimmy Butler involving Beal might involve three or four teams, and it makes matters more complicated and challenging. Whether the Lakers and Nuggets would get involved remains to be seen. The good news is that Beal is hinting a willingness to get traded. As he said in his postgame interview though, he holds the cards.
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