A wild new report suggests that the Phoenix Suns are so over Bradley Beal, their owner is seriously considering the option of paying him to sit home
“I’ve heard they are so disgusted with Bradley Beal, they couldn’t give him away fast enough. Obviously, he is one of only two players in the NBA that has a no-trade clause. Otherwise, they would have been gotten rid of him,” Stephen A. Smith said on his YouTube channel.
“Then you’re hearing owner Matt Ishbia is strongly contemplating sitting him down. Whether it be letting him stay home, or do something to force him to get the hell up out of Phoenix.”
Related: Phoenix Suns received ‘atrocious haul’ for Kevin Durant in trade to Houston Rockets
- Bradley Beal contract (Spotrac): Five years, $251 million
The Suns were a historic NBA disaster in 2024-25. Despite having superstars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, as well as NBA title-winning head coach Mike Budenholzer, they could not even reach the NBA Play-In tourney this spring. Furthermore, they had $228 million invested in this current horror show.
They had to slash payroll if they wanted to improve the roster this offseason. In a perfect world, they would get Bradley Beal and the $110 million left on his deal off the books. However, as Smith mentioned, the four-time All-Star is one of the few players in the game with a full no-trade clause. During the season, he reportedly turned down multiple trades that Phoenix had agreed to.
The Suns finishing with a 36-46 record cost head coach Mike Budenholzer his job. Earlier this month, they hired Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott. He won’t have Durant after he was traded to the Houston Rockets this week to cut costs. To get off to a good start, having everyone happy and on the same page will be important for a first-time coach.
- Bradley Beal stats (2024-25): 32.1 MPG, 17.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 39% 3PT
Related: Phoenix Suns looking to swing another blockbuster trade after moving Kevin Durant
While paying a player over $50 million to stay home seems ludicrous, there could be a belief in Phoenix that the Beal situation has become so toxic that addition by subtraction is the better option for the roster. However, Ott could see the former Wizards star’s abilities to valuable to waste and plays a prominent role next season.
More About:NBA