Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Suns emerge as 'serious threat' to form new Big 3 with potential blockbuster trade

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 6/18/23

The Bradley Beal sweepstakes have quickly taken form as most suitors have fallen by the wayside, leaving just two finalists standing in a potential trade for the Washington Wizards guard.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Wizards are in "serious talks" with both the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns surrounding a trade.

The latter has "emerged as a serious threat" to acquire Beal, per Charania. Beal is entering just the second of a five-year supermax extension and is the lone player in the NBA with a no-trade clause written into his contract.

Developing: Washington is in serious talks with two finalists – Miami and Phoenix – on a Bradley Beal trade, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The Suns have emerged as a serious threat for Beal, who holds a no-trade clause.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 17, 2023

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this week that the Wizards front office are working with Beal's agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, through potential trade scenarios presented to the franchise.

Beal finding his way to the Valley would be a box office get for the Suns brass, who are just four months removed from going all-in on acquiring Kevin Durant. Teaming Beal up with Durant and Devin Booker would give Phoenix arguably the most lethal big three in all of basketball, albeit at a cost.

The Suns lost key role pieces Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson in the Durant deal. Luring Beal from D.C. would further shed depth from Phoenix's top-heavy roster. Veteran point guard Chris Paul and former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton are obvious candidates to be dealt in a trade for Beal.

Paul's time with the franchise looks to be nearing its end as his representatives and Suns ownership have already discussed the possibility of parting ways this offseason. Ayton, on the other hand, has been long floated in trade discussions.

However, finding a suitor for the 7-footer may be easier said than done. Wojnarowski told the Ryen Russillo Podcast this week that Phoenix is finding Ayton's market to be very "lean" at the moment.