Nov 12, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts to making.a three point shot against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Delta Center. Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Bradley Beal's Agent Gives Verdict on Phoenix Suns Trade Rumors

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Jan 23, 2025 10:30 AM ET

With the NBA trade deadline now just two and a half weeks away, everyone around the NBA has their eyes on what the Phoenix Suns are going to do.

Phoenix has had a terrible season thus far. They were expected to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference this season due to them having one of the NBA’s highest payrolls and a superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Instead, they currently sit 10^th in the West standings with a 22-21 record.

With the Suns struggling, they have been the subject of trade rumors this season. Of course, the main player that they have been linked to is the Miami Heats’ star forward Jimmy Butler, but they would have to find a new home for Beal due to his contract if they want to acquire Butler.

Beal does have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he can shut down any trade that he is in. There were reports that he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to join multiple teams, but his agent Mark Bartelstein shut down those rumors on Thursday.

“The reports that are out there are created out of thin air,” Bartelstein said when speaking to the Arizona Republic's Duane Rankin about rumors that Beal would waive his no-trade clause for the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Heat and Denver Nuggets. “Brad’s entire focus has been and is on getting healthy with his ankle and helping turn things around for the Suns.”

Bartelstein did not hold back about the rumors circulating around Beal, saying that they are not true and that Beal’s focus is on helping the Suns turn their season around.

This is massive news for the Suns as Beal would have to waive his no-trade clause for them to trade him, especially if they want to acquire Butler from Miami. With Beal being content in Phoenix despite being moved to the bench, the Suns may be stuck with their current big three unless they are able to persuade Beal to waive his no-trade clause ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

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

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