Discussions about Devin Booker as the next trade piece for the Suns leave Beal here to stay.
Bradley Beal has quietly been balling in the background as the Phoenix Suns and the rest of the NBA move past the trade deadline. With many accepting that the Suns may be out of the playoff race, Beal can now focus solely on basketball.
Since returning to the starting lineup, Beal’s numbers have been solid. If he stays healthy and continues to play at a high level, and if the Suns eventually move on from Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker things could take an interesting turn.
That is, if the Suns head in that direction.
It has been rolling around my brain for a bit that the Suns might need to move on from Booker, if that is something that happens, Beal is the reasonable and only replacement the Suns would immediately have.
Is it time to blow it up to the point of trading Devin Booker? Dan Bickley thinks it’s got to be a consideration. pic.twitter.com/iZxSuF6G6v
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) February 24, 2025
It’s the talk of the town—how dare this conversation make its way through Twitter (X)? Yet, deep down, we’re all thinking about it. Whether we like it or not, it might be the only option: trading Booker for the future.
In the last two games against the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs, Bradley Beal has averaged 27.5 points while shooting 44% from three and 65% from the field, an incredibly efficient stretch. Yet, much like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, his numbers haven’t translated to wins for the Suns.
Devin Booker and Bradley Beal combined for 61 points, but the Suns still lost to the Raptors by 18. pic.twitter.com/rNvG44v89d
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 24, 2025
If Beal maintains this level of play, the conversation will only grow louder: If Booker has to go, Beal isn’t a bad replacement. I’m just getting ahead of the talk because, like it or not, it might happen. And to be clear: I don’t want it to. But it might.
Beal started his first 23 games of the season — battling injuries along the way — while averaging 17.8 points on 48% shooting as a third or even fourth option in the offense. He’s at his best as a clear second option or a true third.
Before the All-Star break, Beal found his rhythm off the bench, averaging 20.2 points while shooting 59% from the field and 50% from three over his final five games. The adjustment took time, but he stayed quiet, put in the work, and did what the team needed. That speaks volumes about his character and leadership. Now, he’s back in the starting lineup, ready to make an impact.
Injuries prevented Beal from building momentum as a fan favorite, but when healthy, his game is exceptional.
By the end of last season, he was my favorite player on the team because of his effort and heart. Now, with his strong play since the All-Star break, he’s climbing back to the top of that list. The numbers are impressive, but more importantly, his body language shows me he cares.
How long until we seriously start discussing Beal taking Booker’s spot in the starting lineup next season? Because at this rate, that conversation is coming—whether we’re ready for it or not.
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