Bradley Beal holds the cards. Should he be dealt? Will he be dealt?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Phoenix Suns fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
It’s been a while since I’ve rolled out one of these SB Nation/Suns Reacts surveys. Sure, I’ve asked plenty of questions to this Suns community after every game, and the Bright Side Baller seems to be doing just fine. But every now and then, it’s worth tapping into all the tools at your disposal. One thing SB Nation Reacts excels at is turning raw data into highly shareable graphics. They’re eye-catching snapshots of fan sentiment.
And today’s topic? Bradley Beal.
By now, I have a pretty clear sense of how this community feels about Beal. His acquisition hasn’t exactly been a rousing success, and many believe it’s derailed the team’s overall direction. But here’s the thing: the window for Kevin Durant and Devin Booker is still open, though it’s currently locked. And Bradley Beal holds the keys.
Ask him, and he’ll tell you the same. He’s the one holding all the cards.
“If so, I need to be addressed because I hold the cards. Until I’m addressed and somebody says something different, then I’ll be a Sun.”
Bradley Beal on if coming off bench is related to bigger picture as far as NBA trade talks.
Has no-trade clause in his contract. #Suns pic.twitter.com/f54au9MWFS
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 7, 2025
That brings us to the first Suns Reacts survey of the year. By now, you’re well aware of Bradley Beal’s contract situation: a no-trade clause, over $50 million a year through 2027, and all the baggage that comes with it. So, I’m keeping it simple with two questions.
First: Should the Suns trade Bradley Beal? Let’s not get bogged down in trade machine hypotheticals or logistical possibilities. This is just a gut check. Even if the return is someone like Jimmy Butler — who’s reportedly agitating for an exit from Miami but comes with his own concerns about loyalty, health, and regular-season effort — should the Suns pull the trigger to escape that contract?
Second: Will the Suns actually trade Beal? Can they find a team willing to take on his massive deal, seeing enough value in his skills to justify paying him through 2027? And let’s not forget, the no-trade clause most likely follows him wherever he goes, just as it did when he arrived in Phoenix.
That’s it. Two straightforward questions. Cast your votes and let your voice be heard!