Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal recently opened up about a candid conversation with the Washington Wizards’ new management that led to his trade to Phoenix. Speaking on the Club 520 Podcast, Beal explained how the team’s front office expressed their desire for a fresh start.
The discussion occurred after Washington revamped its management team. Beal recalled the moment they approached him (via HoopsHype): “D.C. made that change in the front office. I’m not going to lie, love them to death, but them boys didn’t waste no time. They said, ‘Hey B, we think it’s time. Let’s turn this chapter, let’s get you somewhere where you can win, allow us to get some pieces back to rebuild this thing and do it the right way.’”
Beal expressed respect for their transparency, noting, “That’s probably one of the most respectful things I’ve heard. That transparency is not in the league. A lot of people don’t do that. It’s not there.”
This conversation paved the way for Beal’s departure from the Wizards, the team that drafted him third overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. The trade occurred on June 24, 2023, when Washington sent Beal, along with Jordan Goodwin and Isaiah Todd, to the Suns. In exchange, the Wizards received Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, four first-round pick swaps, and six second-round picks.
Beal’s trade marked the end of an 11-season tenure in Washington, where he evolved into one of the league’s top scorers. His departure came as part of a broader overhaul by the Wizards’ new leadership, who were focused on rebuilding.
After joining the Suns, Beal initially faced setbacks due to injury. He missed the first seven games of the 2023-24 season with lower back tightness.
Despite injuries impacting the Suns’ Big Three—Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant—the team managed to secure a playoff berth. Beal was a vital contributor, with averages of 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5 assists in 33.3 minutes across 53 games during the regular season.
