“We’re definitely pissed off. We’re not happy about it.” Bradley Beal did not choose to mince his words in the aftermath of the Suns’ matchup against the Indiana Pacers. After all, it marked the 2 consecutive loss for Beal’s team, and the 6 game lost over the last 8 matchups. For a team that had stayed below the 6 seed over the last 4 seasons, possessing a current 15-18 win record is nothing short of an eye-opener. The message lies clear- things need to improve promptly. As a result, the Suns have now taken it upon themselves to make some major changes. Unfortunately, it is set to cost one of the team’s renowned point forward his position.

It was recently reported that from Monday, Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic will take up bench roles! As highlighted by Chris Haynes, the decision was taken amid other reports of rising tension in the locker room, brought on by players allegedly being unsure of their roles. Haynes further revealed that with the two players benched, the roles of small forward and center, in the starting five, will be filled by Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee. Not bad for two rookies, but certainly a low point for the 31-year-old veteran.

There is no denying that Beal’s performance has taken more than a bit of a hit. The drop became noticeable from the previous season itself. After all, Beal’s 18.2 points average during the 2023-24 season was his lowest since the 2015-16 season. Now, Beal is recording even lower than that. His average scoring over the last 23 games has been just 17.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Along with dealing with a hip injury of late, Beal has allowed his shooting percentage to go down to 35.6% over the last 4 games.

Bradley Beal may certainly be performing better than many modern NBA players. Unfortunately, his returns are not sufficient to cover the investment that the Suns franchise had put out for him. The shooting guard had signed a 5 year $251.019 million contract with the Washington Wizards in 2022. It continues to be covered by the Suns. As a result, Beal will earn a base salary of $50.2039 million during the ongoing season. He and Jusuf Nurkic, along with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, reportedly represent 77.5% of their team payroll this season. They also represent 120% of the cap space. Therefore, experimenting with the rookies can have a dual purpose for the team. It can highlight whether a change combination can improve the chances for the Phoenix Suns. Or, allow the chance for a drastic change to be made.

Bradley Beal’s No-Trade Clause prevents a potential Jimmy Butler acquisition

“Six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler prefers a trade out of Miami ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline, league sources told ESPN”. Shams Charania’s recent report only intensified the rumors that had been flying around regarding Jimmy Butler’s trade. Miami Heat president Pat Riley denied the same. However, alleged reports of the veteran not being happy about his contract have taken precedence. Therefore, several teams have already come out as a prospective new home for Butler, including the Phoenix Suns.

However, as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently revealed, “The sort of irony in this situation is the best fit, and most aggressive team for Jimmy Butler is maybe the 1 out of the 29 teams that has the hardest time getting him”. Why? Two words: Bradley Beal.

“The only functional way they (Phoenix Suns) have to get him is Bradley Beal, who has a no-trade clause, and the Heat, 2 years ago, when he wanted to go there, rejected” said Windhorst. “So, that would take a 3 or potentially 4 team, and those deals are very hard to put together”. Butler’s acquisition by the Phoenix Suns is not impossible, but close to it. After all, to get him to land in Phoenix would require Bradley Beal to waive his no-trade clause. Till Beal is not out, the Suns cannot afford to spend money on Butler, as crossing the Luxury Tax and Apron Limits would put them in trouble under the CBA guidelines. Beal’s contract won’t expire until after the 2026-27 season, and Jimmy Butler will certainly not wait that long.

If Beal stays in a bench role for long, he may end up waiving the no-trade clause by himself to look for better opportunities. In their pursuit to win, the Phoenix Suns are willing to take drastic steps. Whether playing the long game will Beal is one of them cannot be said with uncertainty. However, fans may have now realized that Beal’s presence isn’t as valued as before. This may open the doors for some potential changes shortly.