Family connection could help send star to Suns

While the Suns don't have the draft picks that the Washington Wizards might want in return for their three-time All-Star, they do have one trump card. Their team CEO is Beal's agent's son.

In April, new owner Mat Ishbia hired Josh Bartelstein from the Detroit Pistons to be Phoenix's new CEO. The 33-year-old was an executive vice president and an assistant general manager during his seven years with the Pistons, but he's also the son of one of the NBA's most powerful agents, Mark Bartelstein, whose clients include Beal.

That means Phoenix's management has an especially strong connection to Beal. They traded four first-round picks to get Kevin Durant, but they do have former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton to offer in a trade. 

However, it sounds like Washington is most interested in salary relief, meaning they may not want Ayton's long-term deal.

If Washington's motivation is to clear their cap sheet — Beal is owed over $200M the next four seasons — Phoenix can offer the expiring $30M contract of Chris Paul. 

Landry Shamet makes $10.25M next season, but his 2024-25 contract is non-guaranteed and 2025-26 is a team option, meaning the Wizards could regain financial flexibility in a year.

In theory, Washington could also include Kyle Kuzma, though he would likely have to opt into his deal for next season. It would be expensive for the Suns, but Ishbia doesn't seem to flinch at spending money — he fired coach Monty Williams despite owing him at least $21M for the next three years.

It's not a great return for Washington, but because Beal has a no-trade clause, he gets to choose his destination in a trade. And if that happens to be the place where his agent's son is in charge, so be it.