For Bradley Beal, staying healthy has been an uphill battle. The Phoenix Suns have been hit with the injury bug all season, and it’s really messed with their momentum. Honestly, the difference in their record when Kevin Durant plays versus when he’s out is wild. Durant’s finally back in action, though, but Beal is not.

He is missing another game tonight as the Suns take on the Trail Blazers, coach Mike Budenholzer confirmed before tip-off. Beal, dealing with swelling in his right knee, was questionable earlier in the day but won’t suit up. On Friday, he was a late scratch just two hours before the Suns’ 134-126 win over the Jazz. Honestly, it’s never fun seeing last-minute changes like that, especially for fans who were hoping to catch him in action.

The Suns won’t hit the court again until Thursday, giving Beal a bit of a breather before they face the Pacers. Budenholzer sounded hopeful about his recovery, saying, “It’s just swelling. Hopefully, a couple of days without a game will be good for him. We’ll see how he does each day.” Coach Mike also confirmed that they wouldn’t be reducing Beal’s workload when he’s back while citing some of the injuries as “simply being bad luck.”

Beal has been impactful when he’s on the floor, averaging 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He adds serious firepower to the Suns, which could spell trouble for a struggling Blazers squad. This will be Beal’s 10th missed game of the season. Phoenix has managed a 4-5 record without him, and let’s not ignore the recent trade chatter surrounding his name.

Portland, meanwhile, came close to pulling off a win against the Suns back on November 2. They lost 103-97, but that game was one of the few times Phoenix had all three of their big stars, including Beal, healthy. Nearly beating a fully loaded Suns roster was no small feat for a team like the Blazers, who’ve been struggling to find consistency.

If anything, it’s clear Portland can hold their own against the Suns, even when Phoenix has all their stars.

Jimmy Butler’s blonde hair means Bradley Beal ‘could’ leave the Suns!

Bradley Beal’s time in Phoenix has been solid, but recent trade rumors are raising questions about his future with the Suns. While reports from Shams Charania suggested Jimmy Butler may have Phoenix on his radar, JB’s agent quickly shot that down. However, the possibility of Butler landing in Phoenix is still very much in play.

Apart from Jimmy’s hair-coloring antics (him constantly coloring his hair to indicate his next team- speculation) John Gambadoro, a Phoenix insider, dropped some intriguing info on the Burns and Gambo Show, especially regarding Beal’s situation.

He believes a trade could happen, but not in a straightforward deal with the Heat. Gambadoro said, “I do think with a third team involved that there is a way to get a deal done,” and he explained that the Heat’s past disinterest in Beal and the NBA’s new apron rules complicate things.

Gambadoro also hinted at some potential movement on Beal’s side. “I think Bradley Beal would waive his no-trade clause. I think if he got the chance to be more of the player he used to be he would take it,” he said.

But let’s be real—KD and Devin Booker have adjusted more easily than he has, which might make the hoopster feel uncomfortable in Phoenix. It’s possible that his fit with Booker isn’t as smooth as it could be, mainly because his role is still unclear.

With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on February 6, Beal could be on the move, potentially after just two seasons in Phoenix. If that happens, Jimmy Butler could slide in to take his place, bringing a Hall-of-Fame talent to the Suns!

Hold on tight—this could be a game-changer for Kevin Durant’s team.