One NBA writer proposed that the Orlando Magic acquire Bradley Beal from the Phoenix Suns.
Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Magic and Suns:
The Deal: Bradley Beal for Joe Ingles and Cole Anthony
The Suns got swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2024 playoffs.
In his first season in Phoenix, Beal averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists while shooting 51.3% from the field, 43.0% from beyond the arc and 81.3% from the free-throw line.
A three-time All-Star, Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract. The Florida product will make $50.2 million next season and $53.7 million in 2025-26.
“But the 30-year-old is surely the player Phoenix would most like to unload,” Bailey wrote. “His lack of availability was a problem all season, and the length and size of his contract is a huge part of the team’s financial issues. To find a deal even remotely believable, a couple other dominoes would have to fall.
“First, the Orlando Magic would need to flame out of a first-round series in which they’ve been competitive with the Cleveland Cavaliers. And second, they’d need to strike out in free agency (where they’ll have $30-60 million in cap space).
“Continuing their organic rebuild around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner is probably the more prudent approach, but the Magic could use an offensive boost (they were 22nd on that end this season). And if they can’t get it elsewhere, absorbing Beal’s deal with that cap space could be short-term fix (with potential long-term ramifications).”
Beal averaged 16.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 4.5 assists in the Suns-Timberwolves series while shooting 44.1% from the field, 43.5% from 3 and 80.0% from the free-throw line. He struggled on defense trying to defend Minnesota star Anthony Edwards.
It will be fascinating to see what the Suns do this summer. They could fire head coach Frank Vogel.
To move Beal, Phoenix would need Beal to waive his no-trade clause.
Beal has career NBA averages of 21.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists with the Washington Wizards and Suns.
