The Chicago Bulls are reportedly in discussions with the Phoenix Suns about a trade involving three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on the “The Hoop Collective” podcast on January 27, 2025. Windhorst clarified that while the trade talks have occurred, he wasn’t certain if a deal would happen, pointing out that Beal has a no-trade clause. Beal, 31, has struggled to fit in alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant in Phoenix, resulting in him being benched. His 17.2 points per game is his lowest since 2015-16.
However, the deal faces significant financial challenges. Beal is in the third year of a five-year, $251 million contract, and his no-trade clause complicates any potential move. Windhorst expressed doubt about the Bulls pursuing this trade, suggesting that it would be unwise. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps echoed this sentiment, criticizing the deal as one of the “dumbest trades” the Bulls could make. Bontemps argued that Beal’s contract is the “worst in the league” because it is difficult to move, unlike other contracts that can be traded with fewer restrictions. He emphasized that while Zach LaVine has been a borderline All-Star this season, trading him for Beal would be a poor decision.
