Suns’ Bradley Beal Answers To Comments About Never Being Swept

Following a 122-116 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Phoenix Suns have lost 4-0 in the first-round playoff series, and Bradley Beal now knows what a sweep feels like. 

When the series was 3-0, Beal remained confident in his team to come back, as he stated, “I’ve never been swept a day in my life… I’ll be damned if that happens.” Then fast forward to today, during an interview with the media following the Game 4 loss, Beal stated while laughing, “I’ll be damned huh.”

“I’ll be damned, man.” -Bradley Beal

He said he would be damned if the Suns got swept and, well, they got swept 😂 pic.twitter.com/c2paXNHE56

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) April 29, 2024

The Timberwolves’ social media account posted a quote-graphic of Beal’s remarks then replied, “first time for everything.”

first time for everything. https://t.co/PmyKrrLDix

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 29, 2024

At halftime, Beal’s statline read three points, three fouls, zero rebounds, and zero assists. By all means, the second-half didn’t get much better, as he finished the season-ending loss, by fouling out, contributing only nine points (4-of-13 FG), one rebound, two assists and six turnovers.

The former Wizards guard was seen as the missing piece for the Suns this year, as he was acquired last offseason to be paired next to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant in hopes of making a championship run. The three-time All-Star was limited at the start of the season due to injury; playing in 53 games, he finished the regular season averaging 18.2 points (51.3% FG; 43% 3P), 5.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds. Then in the playoffs, the chemistry wasn’t there as Beal had a +/- of -51 throughout the four games of the series vs. Minnesota.

To note, Beal has two seasons and $103.8 million left on his current contract. Not to mention he has a no-trade clause to go along with a player option for the 2026-27 season worth $57.1 million.

ESPN’s Bobby Marks spoke about Beal’s contract and no-trade clause, “Should have been a dealbreaker if you’re Phoenix,” the front office insider stated. “That should have been a walkaway. Now you are married, again, to that no-trade clause and probably the most toxic contract in NBA history. Beal’s a good player. Beal’s not a $50-million-per-year player. He’s not worth the $160 million left on his contract.”

The season ended in disappointing fashion, and not only that, but also now the Suns are facing the reality of their Big 3’s massive contracts all put together, as one of the most expensive lineups for a first-round exit. When looking at the trio’s contract breakdown, Booker is set to earn $221 million/4 years, Durant will make $103 million/2 years, to go along with Beal’s $103.8 million/2 years. 

The Suns also have uncertainty regarding their head coaching position, as Frank Vogel is already on the hot seat and the team may explore replacement options during the offseason. Vogel currently has four years left on his five-year/$31 million contract, so if he stays, it is reported that adjustments will then be made to his staff. No matter what, former player James Jones will retain his job as the general manager, as the organization hopes to make offseason moves to improve off of their 49-33 record (sixth-seed finish) and first-round exit.

Bradley Beal looked to brush Frank Vogel's hand away while heading to the bench 👀pic.twitter.com/EpFJomRKu9

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 29, 2024

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, despite mirroring his career averages this season, Durant (27.1 ppg) reportedly had issues with the Suns’ offensive system, as he never felt comfortable in his role alongside All-Star teammates, Booker and Beal. The two-time NBA champion felt that the offensive game plan did not play to his strengths, as he expressed discontent about being in the corner too much. 

Booker, who had a playoff career-high 49 points off of 13-for-21 shooting, stated following the Game 4 eliminating loss, “Hopefully everybody is feeling the same kind of hurt, it has to be fixed. I have to be better, Kevin [Durant] has to be better, Brad [Beal] has to be better, and coach has to be better.” 

As the Suns head into the off-season, Booker emphasized, “Chemistry and time spent is the best teacher.”