PHOENIX –Fans around the Valley have a complex relationship with Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal. Since his arrival in 2023, the polarizing guard has dealt with injuries, making his impact on the court lackluster. Add in Beal’s no-trade clause, and fans are tired of the 31-year-old. The three-time All-Star has struggled to help Phoenix produce wins, and it’s not just the fans that notice but also other NBA players.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Athletic polled 90 NBA players across the league on multiple topics, including the league’s most overrated player. The list includes 19 players, and almost unsurprisingly, Beal landed inside the top 5.
Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suns Beal’s placement on list:
Beal is the sixth highest-paid NBA player in the league, making $50.2 million this past season. For Beal’s 2024-2025 campaign, he averaged 17.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds. Despite his high salary, the Suns guard wasn’t in the top 50 in any statistics.
Apr 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) puts up a layup against San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley (14) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Once again, injuries derailed Beal’s season, playing in 53 games. In those appearances, the Suns had a 22-31 record with him and 14-15 without him. Fans, media, and players around the association can see on the court that Beal hasn’t lived up to his contract.
Suns owner Mat Ishbia stated that changes are coming this offseason, with fingers pointed at Beal possibly leaving Phoenix. However, the no-trade clause in his contract makes such a task nearly impossible, leaving the franchise stuck on how to use Beal for next year.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
