Following the Phoenix Suns’ decision to part with Kevin Durant via a blockbuster trade to the Houston Rockets, many are wondering if the Suns have another news-worthy deal up their sleeve.
Blue Man Hoop’s Peter O’Keefe believes that, based on a recent development, the Golden State Warriors could steal Durant’s 6-foot-4 ex-teammate from the Suns this summer.
“John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports Network has previously stated there’s a zero percent chance that Beal is on the Suns next season, going as far as to suggest a radical buyout despite the 3x All-Star having two years and over $110 million still remaining on his contract,” O’Keefe wrote Monday.
“Gambadoro has now doubled down on his thoughts following the Durant trade, telling the Kevin O’Connor Show that ‘they will either trade him or they will buy him out’ and that ‘I don’t think there is any scenario where Bradley Beal comes back and plays for the Suns.’
“Golden State needs an injection of offense this season, and for all the downsides to Beal on an horrendous $50+ million per year contract, he instantly becomes a lot more palatable on a deal worth less than $15 million per season.”
“Golden State’s ability to actually acquire Beal will still be determined by a range of factors beyond just whether or not Phoenix buys him out. What happens with Jonathan Kuminga and other decisions in free agency or via trade will determine where the Warriors end up with their payroll, and therefore what they can offer Beal or whether they can acquire him at all.”
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Beal is an asset the Suns have been looking to move for months. Numerous reports indicated that the Suns were eyeing a Beal-Jimmy Butler swap while Butler was competing with the Miami Heat.
However, Beal remained in Phoenix, while Butler joined the Golden State Warriors on Feb. 5, effectively shutting down the possibility of the two stars being involved in the same groundbreaking deal.
Beal has been an inconsistent contributor with the Suns since 2022. The Florida product is capable of pouring in 25 points on a good night and recording five points on his worst.
Beal, who isn’t known for being a winning player dating back to his 11-year stint with the Washington Wizards, averaged 17.0 points on 49.7% from the field and 38.6% from three on the 36-46 Suns.
Still, adding the 13-year veteran would give the Warriors another wing scorer who shoots the three well enough to fit well in their offensive system.
There’s a chance Beal could join Stephen Curry in the Bay in the offseason.
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