The Phoenix Suns traded Chris Paul, four first-round pick swaps, and six second-round selections to get Bradley Beal in 2023, only to buy him out two years without winning a playoff game. They owe Beal a ton of money and have $19.4 million of dead cash on their books every season through 2030. The Suns wanted the luxury tax savings and to dodge the second apron, but the original trade has become the worst move in franchise history.
Owner Mat Ishbia touted the Beal trade as a franchise-changer. He thought the move would make them a serious contender, but Beal was not their third star. It was quickly clear the trade didn't work. The Suns may have moved off the 6’5 wing, but they allowed him to keep his no-trade clause. There was no trading Beal, which left the Suns trapped.
Phoenix has regretted this trade since shortly after they made it, but the buyout takes it to a new level of disaster. Now, the Suns will be unable to use over $19 million each season over the next five years to improve their roster. That will make building a contender before 2031 nearly impossible.
Full details of Bradley Beal trade make it the worst move in Suns history
Phoenix got Jordan Goodwin and Isaiah Todd in the trade with Beal, but neither played for the Suns. The franchise gave up the draft capital and Chris Paul to get the three-time All-Star. Here is a full breakdown of the trade.
- Suns received: Bradley Beal, Jordan Goodwin, Isaiah Todd
- Wizards received: Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, Bilal Coulibaly, Melvin Ajinca, Micah Peavy, 3 1st-round pick swaps (2026, 2028, 2030), 4 2nd-round picks (2026, 2027, 2028, 2030)
- Pacers received: Jarace Walker, 2028 2nd round pick, 2029 2nd round pick
With the Suns entering a rebuild and the Wizards amassing talent, those pick swaps could be valuable. In 2028 and 2030, Phoenix may be in the lottery as Washington is near the top of the Eastern Conference. That would mean the Suns losing a ton of games and picking in the 20s. Without young talent on affordable contracts, Beal’s dead money will hurt even worse.
Every dollar matters in the second apron era. The Kevin Durant trade was awful, but at least the Suns got back a lottery pick and two talented role players to mitigate the losses. For Beal, they owe $19.4 each season for five straight years. It will crush their roster-building and financial flexibility. As if things weren’t already bad enough in the Valley.
The Phoenix Suns just took the Bradley Beal trade from disaster to the worst move in franchise history. There have been some dark days and regrettable moves, but nothing like this one. The Suns will be paying draft picks and Beal for five years while he plays for another franchise. It doesn’t get worse than that, and could be the central reason why Devin Booker departs to make this nightmare even worse. The pain is just beginning, so buckle up.