Speaking this week to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, Bradley Beal’s agent Mark Bartelstein firmly shot down speculation surrounding his client’s NBA trade preferences.
According to Bartelstein, reports linking Beal to specific teams like Miami, Denver, Milwaukee, and Los Angeles are “created out of thin air.”
The rumors have been swirling for weeks, especially given the Suns’ reported interest in acquiring the Heat’s Jimmy Butler, a deal in which Beal would likely need to be included to match salary.
But Bartelstein made it clear that Beal hasn’t endorsed any particular destination, nor is he actively pushing for a move.
“I never operate in terms of absolutes,” Bartelstein said. “You always keep an open mind like everyone does in all aspects of their life, and so if something was to come around that you were truly excited about, you always have to consider those things.”
In other words, while Beal isn’t calling the shots when it comes to where he could be traded, he and his camp aren’t shutting down any conversations that might emerge.
It’s important to note, however, that while Phoenix is reportedly exploring ways to acquire Butler, sources indicate the Suns haven’t broached the subject of a potential trade with Beal directly.
For now, the three-time All-Star’s focus remains on getting healthy and helping the Suns contend.
There’s no denying that Beal’s future in Phoenix could be tied to larger roster moves, but as of now, both he and the Suns are keeping their options open, despite the buzz surrounding possible trade scenarios.
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