The Phoenix Suns’ locker room is the NBA’s current hotspot for various reasons (good or bad, you decide). After Mike Budenholzer’s decision with Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic’s sudden benching, things have taken an odd turn. As always, rumor mills began working extra time, with doubts surrounding the future of the two Suns’ hoopsters. But amid it, Beal’s agent has something to say to put an end to all the speculations.

ESPN’s NBA insider, Brian Windhorst reported that “Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, shuts down trade rumors regarding his client saying there’s been no discussion of waiving his no-trade clause. Beal’s focus is on helping turn around struggling Suns.” He added that the veteran shooting guard hasn’t discussed anything with the Suns or any other teams as he’s looking forward to staying at Phoenix and helping them rebuild. Meanwhile, the Suns are 12th in the West, with only two wins in their last 10 games.

Now, coming to the no-trade clause, Bradley Beal is the only player (other than LeBron James) to have his special power where he can veto any proposed trade. After Monday’s game against the 76ers, Bradley Beal revealed his thoughts on trade rumors, saying “I hold the cards” if the Suns ever pursue a deal. Despite speculation, he hasn’t heard from the team. His agent, Bartelstein, confirmed that Beal won’t waive the no-trade clause in his 2022 five-year, $251 million contract with the Wizards. Thus, with $110 million left over two years, Beal’s power remains intact.

What does it mean for the Phoenix Suns’ front office? They recently showed some interest in acquiring Jimmy Butler, following all the drama in Miami Heat. Phoenix, with a $216 million payroll, faces trade restrictions as a second apron team. To land Butler, they’d have to include Beal in the deal. Simply put, if Big Panda waives his no-trade clause like he did when he joined his current team in 2023, the team could pay him the $52 million annual pay that he would’ve gotten at Miami.

Bartelstein didn’t completely rule out waiving the clause for the right deal, similar to Beal’s 2023 trade to the Suns. However, he emphasized that it’s not being considered at the moment unless the perfect situation arises. Meanwhile, some beliefs are swirling around the NBA that say the Suns’ decision to bench Bradley Beal was a ‘strategy’ to solidify the team. What’s happening?

The Phoenix Suns allegedly played foul by sideling Bradley Beal

After losing four games in a row, Mike Budenholzer had to do something unexpected and bold. And he decided to bench Bradley Beal for Monday’s face-off against the Philadelphia 76ers. Well, did the choice show its results? Yes. The Phoenix Suns won the game 109-99. However, the head coach’s call has been facing conflicting opinions. Some believe the idea worked with Bradley leading the second unit. But some others feel it was a way to push the 31-year-old to waive his no-trade clause.

Amid trade rumors fueled by Jimmy Butler’s feud with the Heat, Beal’s no-trade clause gives him (some) control. The clause lets him block deals, and Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel suggests the Suns benching him might be a tactic to pressure him into using it. “I do think what’s happening in PHX now is worth keeping an eye on—There are, I know for a fact, 3 & 4-way combinations in play with Beal…What’s a good way to have a player want to waive his NTC?? Bench him for a player he clearly doesn’t believe is better than him,” said Winderman.

Well, foul tactic or not, the team extracted the result they wanted to have. But as mentioned before, the cards are in Bradley Beal’s hands. If Beal waives his clause, he could help the Suns land Jimmy Butler, easing their second apron issues. But if he keeps the clause, he must improve his performance to turn things around for his team. So, what will he do?