NBA Trade Rumors: Bradley Beal's agent issues major update amid which impacts Suns' $146,396,031 star's pursuit
Phoenix Suns star Bradley Beal's agent, Mark Bartelstein, has issued a major update on his agent's future with the Western Conference team. Bartelstein told ESPN that his high-profile client would not waive his 'no-trade' clause, which allows him to veto any deal that involved him.
The latest developments come amid the Suns benching Beal, presumably to force him out of Phoenix amid their reported pursuit of Jimmy Butler, who is potentially in the final season of a three-year $146,396,031 contract with the Miami Heat and has demanded a trade.
"There have been no discussions about trades with the Suns or any other team," Bartelstein said. "Bradley's total focus is on helping the Suns turn things around."
Beal is the only viable option to make that deal happen because of his $50,203,930 salary. However, the Suns would need the three-time NBA All-Star's go-ahead before they engage in discussions with him as a potential centerpiece of a trade framework.
Before Bradley Beal's agent revealed their stance on not waiving the 'no-trade' clause, the player also suggested it was going to be the case. Speaking to reporters for the first time after getting benched on Monday, Beal reminded everyone that he holds the cards in potential trade talks.
"If so, I need to be addressed because I hold the cards," Beal said. "So, until I’m addressed and somebody says something differently, then I’ll be a Sun."
Phoenix hasn't gone according to plan. Now, in his second season, the Suns haven't been the ideal destination for him to pursue a championship. He's not been a good fit next to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, and their bloated contracts have hindered the team from pursuing roster upgrades.
The Suns dropped to 16-19 after Tuesday's loss to the 8-27 Hornets and are 12th in the West.
NBA Trade Rumors: Heat don't want Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal holds the card for his potential destination after Phoenix. However, if he wishes to accept a move to the Miami Heat, it won't likely happen. The Heat reportedly have no interest in Beal, citing the $110 million salary left on his current deal. Miami can't take back more salary in a trade because they are over the apron and will have to let go of several other players to accommodate Beal.
In any case, if Butler to the Suns has to happen, Beal must be traded to a third team, which will be of his choice. It's a complicated deal structure that could involve more than three teams. It remains to be seen how this situation unfolds.
For now, it looks like all rumored trade candidates will remain with their respective teams after the Feb. 6 deadline.