The Phoenix Suns are coming off a nightmare season where they missed the playoffs and had to give the Rockets the tenth overall pick, but the lottery may have offered a bit of help. Along with creating a clearer path to trading Kevin Durant, the Jazz dropping to fifth after having the worst record ensures they will tank again with the loaded 2026 class on the horizon. What better way than trading for Bradley Beal?
The three-time All-Star tanked the Suns' season as he was paid like a superstar, but produced like a role player. His no-trade clause makes moving on difficult. Beal would need to agree to this deal, but gutting their roster would make Phoenix less attractive. This trade could lead to a buyout and get Beal on a contending roster of his choosing with significantly less cap damage to his new team.
The Jazz are no strangers to salary dump trades. They have been part of several since their rebuild began by trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert in 2022. It would take some serious convincing and roster retooling, but this sliver of a chance just opened up.
Jazz may accept a salary dump if Bradley Beal waives his no-trade clause
Utah fell to the worst possible position in this draft. Many viewed this class as having a strong top four, but no clear divide between picks five and 15. The Jazz missed on the best players and likely cannot get any value for trading back. This ensures they tank again in hopes of finally landing a future star in the 2026 draft.
Utah is $2 million under the cap and could trade John Collins, Jordan Clarkson, and Kenyon Martin Jr. to make this deal work. It would give Phoenix three expiring contracts and get them off Beal’s nightmare contract. It would take plenty of draft capital, but the Suns will have more if they trade Durant and/or Devin Booker this summer.
Phoenix may need to deal both stars to convince Beal to waive his no-trade clause. The most likely scenario between these two sides is a buyout. It would be incredibly punitive to the Suns, but that is the cost of a nightmare trade and letting a non-star player keep his no-trade clause.
Things are going to get worse before they get better in Phoenix. It was been a disasterclass in roster building since Mat Ishbia took over. That is unlikely to change with Brian Gregory replacing James Jones as GM. Expect more star-chasing and wild moves. The Jazz would be willing to take on Beal, but making it happen is a different story.
The Phoenix Suns must revamp their roster after missing the playoffs. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are on the trade block. Can the franchise find the right deal? Only time will tell. With Beal, it is not just agreeing to the trade, but getting him to sign off. That won’t be easy, but one avenue may exist after the shocking draft lottery.