With Tyus Jones heading elsewhere in free agency and Bradley Beal potentially on the way out, the Phoenix Suns are exploring options to fill a looming backcourt void. Among their targets? Former Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Brogdon has drawn interest from multiple teams — with Phoenix being one of them.
“League sources say that the Wizards are open to sign-and-trade discussions to facilitate Brogdon’s exit and a slew of teams have registered varying levels of interest in the 32-year-old. That list includes the Clippers, Suns and Lakers as well as the Warriors, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Kings and Bucks,” Fischer reported.
Brogdon recently wrapped up a tough season in Washington, limited to just 24 games — a career low — due to a nagging ankle injury. Despite the setback, he still averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in 23.5 minutes per game. However, his three-point percentage dipped to a career-worst 28.6%.
While injuries have hampered Brogdon’s career since leaving Milwaukee, he still offers dependable playmaking and strong perimeter defense, thanks in part to his 6-foot-10.5 wingspan — traits the Suns seem to value as they reshape their roster.
Beal’s Future in Phoenix Nearly Settled
Meanwhile, Beal is nearing the end of his stint in the desert. The Suns and the veteran guard are in advanced talks to settle a buyout on the $110.8 million left on his contract over the next two seasons.
“According to a league source, the list of teams Beal has thought about includes the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks,” wrote Fred Katz of The Athletic.
Beal will reportedly need to give back at least $13.8 million to allow Phoenix to waive and stretch the remainder of his deal — a move that would significantly lighten the team’s cap burden.
Despite a rocky fit alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, Beal still managed to put up solid numbers last season: 17.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds on 50/39/80 shooting splits.
Zero Chance of a Return, Says Insider
Longtime Phoenix radio voice John Gambodoro predicted months ago that a buyout was inevitable.
“There’s a zero percent chance that Bradley Beal comes back,” Gambodoro said on the Burns and Gambo show back in April.
“And I truly believe that, you know me, if I go out on a limb, on something I’m probably doing it for a reason. I don’t see a scenario in which Bradley Beal can come back.”
Gambodoro also accurately forecasted Beal’s trade value — or lack thereof:
“I don’t believe you could trade [Beal],” he said. “I think you go to the offseason and you try before to agree to any type of buyout or anything like that.”
