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Bradley Beal Bluntly Responds to Suns Trade Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Smith | Last updated Jan 7, 2025 3:27 AM ET

Bradley Beal isn't sweating the fact that his name is picking up steam in the latest NBA trade rumors. Fortunately for the Phoenix Suns guard, he has reason to feel at ease about his future, considering it's ultimately his call where he plays.

Beal has found himself at the center of the trade buzz following Jimmy Butler's reported request to be moved by the Miami Heat. Pair that with the Suns' decision to remove Beal from the starting lineup, and it's only added fuel to the fire.

However, in Beal's first game since being moved to the bench, he helped the Suns snap a four-game losing skid on Monday. The 31-year-old did so while making a major impact, leading the team in scoring with 25 points during the 109-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.

But even after Beal's strong performance in 30 minutes off the bench, which included a team-best net rating of +14, it wasn't enough to avoid the hot-button topic.

Beal was asked about the trade rumors after the game and offered a candid response while pointing to the no-trade clause in his contract, as AZ Central's Duane Rankin revealed.

"If so, I need to be addressed, because I hold the cards," Beal said. "So, until I'm addressed and somebody says something differently, than I'm going to be a Sun."

"If so, I need to be addressed because I hold the cards. Until I'm addressed and somebody says something different, then I'll be a Sun."

Bradley Beal on if coming off bench is related to bigger picture as far as NBA trade talks.

Has no-trade clause in his contract. #Suns pic.twitter.com/f54au9MWFS
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 7, 2025

Beal, who has two years remaining after this season on his five-year, $251 million deal, has a player option for the 2026-27 season. He's one of the few NBA players with a no-trade clause in his contract, making his comments even more noteworthy.

Based on what Beal said about Butler's trade request and his own future, it doesn't seem likely the Suns have gone too deep into any possible trade talks. That is unless they chose to do so without speaking to Beal first, which could ultimately make trade conversations meaningless if the 31-year-old isn't interested in that specific change of scenery.

Time will tell what the future holds for the Suns. But for Beal, he's in prime position to shape how the next two and a half years of his career look.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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