PHOENIX – The ugly breakup between the Phoenix Suns and Bradley Beal have been well documented. The two sides spent weeks trying to figure a contract buyout to stretch the massive salary of the three-time All-Star. The negotiations led to Beal giving back $13.6 million and will be getting paid $19 million over the next five years to not play for the franchise.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!There appears to be no love lost, as the 32-year-old posted on Instagram a goodbye message that was just the peace sign emoji. Since the situation is over, quotes from various sources are coming out taking shots at each other. Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, released a statement taking a shot at the Suns for not using his client correctly.
Dec 28, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) waits for play to resume against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
Bartelstein on Suns mismanaging Beal:
“If you have Brad Beal on your team, you have to let him be Brad Beal. Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense and you’re not getting the best version of him. That’s what I think is going to happen here with the Clippers.”
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
In his two seasons in Phoenix, he averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 assists and 4.1 rebounds on 40.7% from the 3-point line. The counting stats look stellar, but the $50+ million salary, no-trade clause and injury history left a sour taste in the mouth of the front office and fans. The former Suns guard and his agent are burning any bridges to his previous team, and won’t be expecting any tribute video or ovation in his return to the Valley next season.
Bradley Beal’s goodbye message to Suns fans has Kevin Durant and Trae Young laughing
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
