The Phoenix Suns are eager to part ways with Bradley Beal, especially if it helps them land Jimmy Butler in a blockbuster trade.
But the Suns don’t have to only compete with a busy trade market; they also have to remember that Beal has a no-trade clause allowing him to shoot down any potential deal he doesn’t like.
According to Barry Jackson, Beal “won’t accept” a trade to the Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls were talked about earlier this week as a team that would take on Beal’s contract and facilitate a trade that sent Butler to the Suns.
If Beal doesn’t want to play in Chicago, this deal is essentially dead.
Bradley Beal won’t accept a trade to Chicago, per The Athletic’s Fred Katz. Chicago was mentioned earlier today as a team that could help facilitate Butler to Phoenix. Beal, as you all know, has a no trade clause.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 28, 2025
Beal holds all the power when it comes to his next move.
It’s not entirely clear where he wants to play but he has the final say and the Suns will have to work around his demands.
They were aware of his no-trade clause when he came to Phoenix, so the Suns have no one to blame but themselves.
With that being said, they can get creative and still find a way to work with Chicago and move Beal.
If they can create a four- or five-team trade, the Bulls might still be involved, even if they don’t get Beal.
There hasn’t been a lot of reporting about Beal’s desired destination, but there will be in the week ahead.
The Suns are running out of time and if they cannot convince Beal to move along, they will be stuck with him at least until the end of the season.
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