Suns GM Confirms Bradley Beal’s Future as Truth About “Toxic” Locker Room Situation Emerges

The entire trade window was dominated by rumors that the Phoenix Suns were targeting Jimmy Butler, with Bradley Beal reportedly the centerpiece of the offer. However, Beal’s no-trade clause got in the way, as he refused to waive his rights to life in Phoenix. The trade ultimately fell apart, and Butler ended up moving to the Bay Area. So what’s next for Beal? The franchise GM finally has his say over it.

During last night’s press conference, James Jones clarified that Beal was never approached regarding his no-trade clause. “We didn’t have any discussion with Brad about his no-trade clause. That’s one thing I can say for sure,” he said. Jones explained that it was important to address the issue, as it had become a major topic of discussion around the league.

According to Jones, everyone who made it beyond the deadline is focused on the common objective of the franchise. “We have guys that expect to win. And we have guys that compete. And whenever you’re not getting those results on the court, the most important thing is winning basketball games. Anything short of that just leaves you frustrated,” he added.

Since the Suns didn’t ask Beal to waive his no-trade clause or even discuss it, it’s safe to say his departure won’t be happening at least till Summer. Beal wasn’t the only one kept in the dark, Kevin Durant’s name was also brought up in trade conversations without his knowledge.

This was sure to make the locker room situation tense, but instead, a different picture emerged after their 135-127 victory against the Jazz.

Suns’ locker room image comes to light amid Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant tension

Devin Booker may have finished with a game-high 47 points on Friday night, but it was Grayson Allen who stole the spotlight with his clutch shots. The guard hit two crucial 3-pointers to send the game into overtime, and from there, it was all Suns as they took control and secured the win over the Jazz.

Naturally, the media was curious about the atmosphere behind closed doors, especially after all the drama surrounding Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant during the trade window. During the postgame press conference, when Allen was asked about the vibe in the Suns’ locker room after their overtime win, he replied, “It was just a very happy locker room. It was not toxic at all,” to which a chorus of laughter filled the press room.

What was expected to create friction in the Phoenix camp didn’t unfold that way. In fact, Allen emphasized that the team’s focus is on the bigger picture and for that there’s chemistry on the floor. “It was a big win for us. I felt like we were really connected towards the end of that game,” Allen added. “Even with little things like that last play, Royce just telling me right before we went out there, just run to this spot and throw it right there and knock it down. That’s what we needed to win that game.”

Looks like all is well in Phoenix. With the team’s objective clearly in mind, it’s easier for them to work together toward their common goal. Now, whether things will fall into place or new challenges will arise remains to be seen in the upcoming games.