Bradley Beal’s agent hits back at trade

The The Phoenix Suns have been at the center of trade rumors for seemingly the entire NBA season so far. It’s well known around the league that the Suns are all-in to win the title as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker continue to play at a high level, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued them all year.

Now, the The Suns are looking for another big move to improve their list, which leaves Bradley Beal like a strange man. The Suns clearly don’t want to move Durant or Booker, and teams aren’t exactly knocking on Phoenix’s door to get Jusuf Nurkic, so Beal might be the most movable piece left on the roster.

Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports and Entertainment, shot down the rumours on Wednesday, via Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.

“Brad’s entire focus has been and is on getting healthy with his ankle and helping turn things around for the Suns,” said Bartelstein, PR Rankin.

There was a report about it recently Beal would only waive his no-trade clause in a contract to play for the Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat or Los Angeles Lakers. Bartelstein added that those rumors were “made up out of thin air,” according to Rankin.

A Bradley Beal, Jimmy Butler trade feels inevitable

With the amount of desperation the Suns seem to be approaching this season and this trade deadline, a Jimmy Butler move seems like it should happen at some point.

Butler was suspended for the second time from the heat as he very publicly searches for a new home and even wore sun-themed shoes on Tuesday night. To take Butler to Phoenix, Beal would almost certainly have to be traded, so the trade feels like the right fit.

Beal hasn’t been able to fully match up with the Suns since joining the team as injuries and uncomfortable court conditions have made things difficult for Phoenix. Butler fits better alongside Booker and Durant as someone who can make an impact off the ball as a guard, cutter and defender.

On the other hand, Bill would be a great fit in Miami as another scorer. Butler has been inconsistent in that role this season even when he’s been on the court, and Beal would give this Heat team some more pop offensively.

Of course, any job this big requires many parts and will likely require multiple teams to get involved. However, given how the Butler situation is trending in Miami and the way Beal’s season has played out, this seal seems like the most logical on the board for Pat Riley and company to move on from their disgruntled star.