The Beal Deal 🤝

06/19/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Suns Acquire Bradley Beal From Wizards in Blockbuster Trade Involving Chris Paul to Tip-Off NBA Offseason

The NBA offseason is less than a week old, but one of the biggest trades is already in motion. The Suns and Wizards have a deal in principle to swap Bradley Beal for Chris Paul with a varying degree of external factors. It’s another “all-in” move by Phoenix to team an electrifying shooter with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and DeAndre Ayton, but it leaves Paul in limbo and little depth on the Suns bench. Let’s break down the trade.

Trade Details

Suns Get: Bradley Beal
Wizards Get: Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, Multiple 2nd-Round Picks & Pick Swaps

Beal Notes: Beal was under a max contract with a no-trade clause in Washington, and that dollar amount (5 years, $251 million) made him difficult to deal. He waived his no-trade clause to go to Phoenix where the Suns were happy to offload Paul’s hefty contract as the bargaining chip. The 29-year-old is a three-time all-star averaging 23.2 points per game throughout his career, and he’s widely regarded as one of the best 3-point shooters in the NBA.

CP3 Notes: Chris Paul’s exit from Phoenix at 38 years old presents a challenge for the veteran. His family and primary residence is in Los Angeles. The Wizards are expected to buy out his contract and let him walk as a free agent or find a third team to join the trade before the deal is complete. Many reports indicate a reunion with the Clippers on a reduced salary.

We’re five days into the offseason and Bradley Beal is a member of the Suns. Phoenix’s title odds in 2024 rose from +850 to +650 (4th-best) in just a few hours.

The Ringer: Bradley Beal Gives Suns a New Big 3

SI: Chris Paul Likely to Join 3rd Team as Suns, Wizards Hash Out Details of Beal Trade

Photo: Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images