There is no doubt that Bradley Beal’s trade to the Phoenix Suns has altered the landscape of the Western Conference. The Suns now look like one of the favorites for the 2024 championship, and it is clear that the team’s goal is to win immediately.
The trade package for Bradley Beal was definitely nothing crazy, as the Suns sent out Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, and some second-round picks and swaps to get the deal done. Some were shocked that the team got no first-round picks in the deal. Those shocked at Beal’s trade value included other teams, as the Suns essentially got Beal as a “salary dump”. Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause likely played a part in this as well, as it allowed him great control of where he was traded.
“Other teams that I have spoken too are just floored that the Suns got Beal for salary dump – one said it was Insane what the Wizards just did. They can’t understand why Washington did not do what Brooklyn did with KD and just wait it out for a better deal.”
It will be interesting to see if other supermax players will get moved for lower value due to their high salaries. One player to watch in this scenario is Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been in trade rumors in the past.
This season, Bradley Beal put up 23.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 5.4 APG for the Washington Wizards, and shot 36.5% from the 3PT range. He is a solid player and could be the missing piece for the Suns in their pursuit of a championship.
Bradley Beal Chose The Suns Over Multiple Other Teams
Bradley Beal likely wanted a contending situation, and it is easy to see why he joined the Phoenix Suns. It was previously revealed that he picked the team over multiple others, including the Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks.
“Ultimately, Beal picked the Suns over multiple other trade scenarios, including Miami, Milwaukee, and Sacramento, sources said. The Wizards entered serious negotiations with the Suns and Heat on Saturday, as The Athletic reported, and that’s when the Bucks re-entered the picture. Milwaukee officials spoke with Beal on Saturday to pitch him on the Bucks, league sources said.”
The pressure is definitely on the Phoenix Suns to win the championship after all of their moves. They have the talent to do so, but the league is unpredictable, and we’ll see what happens in the future.
