When the news involving the Suns’ trade dropped last week, everyone thought it was regarding Bradley Beal. That was until finding out the actual transaction after a closer inspection. The Suns traded their 2031 first-rounder to the Utah Jazz for three first-round picks. One doesn’t have to be an astronaut to figure out, this was the groundwork for things to come. But with the Feb 6 trade deadline just a few days away, there’s still no movement in the market involving the Phoenix side. Do they even need one? Mike Budenholzer publicly made himself clear to the Suns front office.
Following the Suns’ 130-105 win over the Warriors, the HC was faced with the same exact question. Without sweating over it, Budenholzer declared, “Regardless of your record, is always trying to make your team better, trying to find ways to improve. And, they have the same mindset as our team, as our players. We’re always trying to get better.”
Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkić have been the center of attention in the Suns’ trade dramas. Following Nick Richards’ inclusion into the team, the Valley team has looked better and, according to Budenholzer, the front office will continue to do so, something he’s on board with.
Suns coach Mike Budenholzer on possible roster moves before Feb. 6 trade deadline:
“The front office, regardless of your record, is always trying to make your team better, trying to find ways to improve. And they have the same mindset as our team, as our players. We’re always… pic.twitter.com/VLpZugKqZX
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 1, 2025
“So I’m happy with the group. We feel like we got a very good team and we’re going to coach them up. And if there’s any changes, then I think it’s going to be made to improve us,” the former NBA champion told the media. More importantly, he stressed that he doesn’t have any idea if anything will happen.
The interest in Beal could have renewed after his 21-point off the bench. But to move him away, the player needs to waive his no-trade clause, a major hurdle for the franchise.
Amid trade rumors Bradley Beal’s agent shares insight on the Suns star’s future
If Bradley Beal didn’t have the unusual clause in his contract, the Suns might have already traded him to another franchise by now. However, it’s this clause that has halted the plan of bringing Jimmy Butler to Phoenix. And Beal’s agent has declared that his client will not be waiving it.
Mark Bartelstein told ESPN, “Brad worked really hard to earn a no-trade clause. We earned it and we have it—and it is really valuable.”It certainly is, which is why the cards are in Beal’s hands right now. But that doesn’t mean he will always stay with Phoenix or never take a call if an intriguing offer comes in. “Does that mean that he would never, ever accept a trade? No. You always have an open mind and you always are willing to listen to things that you think might be great,” Bartelstein added.
For now, Beal is focused on giving his best for the team and isn’t thinking about a potential move.“At this time, there’s nothing we’re considering,” his agent clarified. “His entire energy and focus is on helping the Suns win. So all of this speculation that people keep writing about is really just people using their imagination.”
With the trade discussions finally settled, Beal and his teammates can now focus on getting back on track. Currently, they are sitting at the 8th spot in the West with a 25-22 record, but there’s ample time to break out of the slump now that the Big 3 will reunite.
The post Suns Coach Issues Strong Message to Front Office as Bradley Beal Trade Talks Hits Major Hurdles appeared first on EssentiallySports.
