Phoenix Suns had made big moves in the 2023 offseason, thinking they’d put together a powerhouse. By adding 3x All-Star Bradley Beal alongside KD and Devin Booker, they were set to dominate. The trio looked unstoppable on paper, right? But when the season played out, it turned into a big disappointment—zero playoff wins. Well, this might be the reason, the big three are getting dismantled.

Bradley Beal is hoping to suit up for Monday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. He’s missed the last two games due to a left ankle sprain, but he’s feeling good about his chances of finally returning. “As long as I can move like Brad, I’m good,” Beal said, keeping his usual confidence.

He worked out after Sunday’s practice at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, where he showcased some solid movement—dribbling, cutting, and even jumping with ease.

“It feels better,” Beal said while looking dejected, giving a positive update on his ankle. But as the trade deadline draws close, he might just not be on the roster anymore.

‘It’s been good. It’s been smooth. I haven’t had any setbacks or anything. All the imaging came back what we expected to be nothing crazy,” he said about his progress. When reporter Duane Rankin asked him about tomorrow’s availability, “I hope so,” Beal assured.

The Suns are aggressively pursuing Jimmy Butler, but they might not be the only team in the mix. While the Bucks have shown interest in JB in the past, they may not land him directly. For a deal between Phoenix and Miami to work, Bradley Beal would need to be included to match salaries, but the Heat reportedly aren’t thrilled about taking on Beal’s contract.

This is where the Bucks could step in.

If a third team gets involved, the Bucks could potentially play a role without landing Butler themselves. Marc Stein believes they have been more inclined to rekindle their interest in Beal rather than Butler if they’re looking to acquire a player in the $50 million range.

You might remember the Bucks showed interest in Beal during the summer of 2023 before he ultimately went to Phoenix. After that, they pivoted to targeting Dame. But now, they could be circling back to Beal as they keep options open. Interesting times ahead, right?

Should the Bucks get Bradley Beal despite his defensive shortcomings?

The Bucks could potentially land Bradley Beal, but it would take some serious cap flexibility and maybe a little pleading on Beal’s part. But here’s the kicker: Should they even want him? It’s a tricky situation. He doesn’t fill the defensive gap the Bucks are struggling with.

We’ve seen this movie before—Damian Lillard’s time in Portland next to CJ McCollum, both smaller, offense-first guys. They didn’t have a Giannis, and we all saw how that duo played out on defense.

Now, Bobby Portis is an offensive asset, no doubt. But with the Bucks already stacked with offensive talent and some pricey starters in the frontcourt, Portis as the Sixth man feels like a true luxury. And let’s not forget, Khris Middleton’s been dealing with injury questions for a while. So, maybe adding Bradley Beal could offer some solid production, even if he’s not a perfect fit.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bradley Beal, currently on a $251 million 5-year deal, might just thrive more than he did with Devin Booker or Kevin Durant. A fresh start could be what he needs.

That said, there’s no clear indication of any active trade talks for Beal at the moment. But desperation is a powerful thing, and both Butler and the Suns are clearly feeling that right now. Desperation often opens up new opportunities, and if the Bucks spot one, don’t be shocked if they make a move. It wouldn’t be as wild as it sounds.