Over the last week, rumors about Bradley Beal leaving the Phoenix Suns have grown louder and louder.
Now it seems almost inevitable that Beal leaves the Suns before the upcoming NBA trade deadline.
But it’s not that simple because Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract, which means he is ultimately in charge of where he goes.
Beal knows that, and he made it clear while speaking with Duane Rankin, via Courtside Buzz.
Beal admitted that he had heard the rumors about him leaving, but he said he was in control.
He said:
“I hold the cards.”
“I HOLD THE CARDS.”
Bradley Beal on trade rumors including his name, as he has a no-trade clause with Phoenix 😳🗣️
Thoughts? 🤔
Via. @DuaneRankin pic.twitter.com/FkUBt2oIop
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) January 7, 2025
Beal isn’t bragging about what he’s capable of; he is simply stating facts.
He does wield a lot of power in this situation because of his no-trade clause.
If the Suns plan to move him, they will have to sit him down and lay out all their options.
Then Beal can approve or veto any plan and the Suns are powerless to stop him.
Perhaps that is why they recently benched Beal, along with Jusuf Nurkic.
By placing him in the second unit, Phoenix was showing Beal where he would stand moving forward.
He can choose to remain with the Suns, but he will see a diminished role and less time starting in games.
Maybe that is enough to convince him to waive his no-trade clause and take a trip to another team.
If Beal doesn’t agree to that, the Suns will be stuck.
They can either just go along with his plans or attempt to make life so hard for him that he throws his hands in the air and asks to leave Phoenix.
But no matter what happens, Beal really is in charge of his next steps.
NEXT: Bradley Beal Would Reportedly Waive His No-Trade Clause To Join 4 Teams
