Suns’ Bradley Beal Would Waive No-Trade Clause For Lakers Ahead of Trade Deadline
As the NBA trade deadline approaches in February, the Los Angeles Lakers are searching for ways to bolster their roster and remain competitive in the highly contested Western Conference. After acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets and trading away D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers now find themselves in need of a scoring guard who can also create opportunities for others. While it remains unclear how the Lakers will address these needs, one intriguing possibility has emerged: Bradley Beal.
Beal’s Benching Sparks Trade Rumors
The Phoenix Suns brought in Beal to form a powerful trio alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, the anticipated synergy between these stars has failed to materialize, and the Suns’ plans have been derailed. To make matters worse, the Suns recently made the decision to move Beal to the bench, signaling that things are not going as expected.
Naturally, this change in Beal’s role has ignited trade rumors surrounding the 31-year-old guard. Beal is one of only two NBA players, along with LeBron James, who holds a full no-trade clause in his contract, which means he has the power to dictate where he plays next.
Lakers Among Teams Beal Would Waive No-Trade Clause For
As discussions about Beal’s future in Phoenix intensify, John Gambadoro, a sports reporter for Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix, has reported that the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the teams Beal would be willing to waive his no-trade clause for. However, it’s important to note that the Lakers have yet to show any official interest in acquiring Beal’s services, and even if they were, completing a trade between the Suns and Lakers would present significant challenges.
Salary Cap Challenges and Trade Logistics
Both the Lakers and Suns currently sit above the first apron of the salary cap, which means they are restricted in how they can trade players. Specifically, neither team can take back more salary than they send out in a trade. Bradley Beal, who is earning $50.2 million this season, is under contract for $53.6 million next season, with a $57.1 million player option for the 2026-2027 season that he is almost certain to exercise.
Matching salaries for a potential Beal trade would be extremely difficult for the Lakers. This makes a three-team trade the only plausible solution to navigate these salary cap restrictions. However, even with the flexibility a multi-team trade could provide, dealing Beal’s hefty contract—especially with his no-trade clause—may prove to be a complex and challenging process for both teams ahead of the trade deadline.
Beal’s Declining Performance and Injury Concerns
Despite his reputation as one of the league’s premier scorers, Beal’s performance has been less than stellar since joining the Suns. In the 23 games he has played this season, Beal is averaging 17.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, while shooting 48% from the field and 39% from three. While these are still solid numbers, they represent a decline from his previous seasons in Washington. Beal has also dealt with injuries over the past few years, further complicating his value as a trade asset.
Given Beal’s substantial contract and the challenges he’s faced in Phoenix, it’s understandable why the Suns might consider moving him. However, finding a team willing to take on his contract and navigate the salary cap complexities will not be easy, making a trade before the deadline far from a certainty.
Lakers’ Search for Speed and Athleticism
Interestingly, while the Lakers are actively seeking to improve their roster before the trade deadline, reports suggest that they are prioritizing speed and athleticism over acquiring a traditional center. Many had expected the Lakers to add size in the form of a center, especially after Anthony Davis struggled with injuries and inconsistency at the position last season. Yet recent reports suggest the Lakers may be shifting their focus to a more dynamic and versatile brand of basketball that emphasizes speed and athleticism.
This new approach, as opposed to simply adding a center, could indicate that the Lakers are rethinking their overall strategy. Some analysts, such as former NBA player JJ Redick, have been vocal about the Lakers’ desire to add a center, but it’s possible this is a tactic to throw off competing teams or to balance the team in a different way than they have in past seasons.
Conclusion: Will Bradley Beal Join the Lakers?
While the idea of Bradley Beal joining the Los Angeles Lakers is certainly intriguing, several obstacles stand in the way of such a trade. The Lakers’ salary cap restrictions, Beal’s large contract, and the no-trade clause all complicate matters. Additionally, Beal’s declining performance and injury history could make the Suns hesitant to trade him, particularly considering the difficulty in finding a suitable trade partner.
At this point, it remains unclear whether the Lakers will pursue a deal for Beal or focus on other avenues to strengthen their roster. The upcoming NBA trade deadline will be crucial for the Lakers as they look to improve their squad, and whether or not Beal will be part of their plans remains to be seen.
As the situation develops, fans will be keeping a close eye on any updates regarding Beal’s potential trade and the Lakers’ moves ahead of the deadline. Whether or not Beal ends up in LA, his situation in Phoenix is one of the most intriguing storylines in the NBA as the trade deadline approaches.