After losing seven of their last eight games, Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer made a tough decision on Monday night—taking guard Bradley Beal out of the starting lineup and playing him off the bench.
It was the first time since 2015-16 that the 31-year-old didn't start in an NBA game.
Beal was asked after the contest if—given the current trade rumors and speculation around the NBA—he thought his benching was related to a potential move. He relayed a blunt answer:
"If so I need to be addressed, because I hold the cards," the three-time NBA All-Star explained, referring to the no-trade clause in his contract. "Until I'm addressed and somebody says something different, then I'll be a Sun."
"If so, I need to be addressed because I hold the cards. Until I'm addressed and somebody says something different, then I'll be a Sun."
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 7, 2025
Bradley Beal on if coming off bench is related to bigger picture as far as NBA trade talks.
Has no-trade clause in his contract. #Suns pic.twitter.com/f54au9MWFS
Prior to tip-off, Budenholzer explained why he decided to make the move:
"I just feel like we needed to make a change throughout a 48-minute game," he explained. "You gotta figure out your best combinations, the best ways to find success. [Beal and Jusuf Nurkic] are two important players to us. Two very good players for us. We just felt like we needed to make a change... All those guys are in this together. It's been good, healthy conversations."
Beal was benched along with center Jusuf Nurkic and to Budenholzer's credit, it worked. Phoenix won their first game since Christmas on Monday in Philadelphia, and Beal was the team's leading scorer with 25 points in 30 minutes.
Now 16-18 on the 2024-25 season, the Suns continue their road trip in Charlotte on Tuesday. Tip-off versus the Hornets is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EST.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Bradley Beal Relays Blunt Reaction to Trade Speculation Amid Being Benched by Suns.
