Bradley Beal’s time with the Phoenix Suns did not end the way he wanted it to. After two disappointing seasons, the team decided to buy out the remainder of his contract as NBA legend Dwyane Wade reflected on the situation.
Beal originally joined the Suns after the team acquired him from the Washington Wizards in the 2023 offseason. The idea was to form a Big Three featuring him, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Phoenix hoped that would push them over the top, but it ended in a first-round sweep in 2024 and a losing campaign this past season.
Wade went over Beal’s experience during his July 22 appearance on the “Time Out” podcast. Beal left Phoenix for the Los Angeles Clippers, which Wade attributes it to overall team fit.
“I think Bradley’s at a place that he’s been wanting to be at. He’s playing with a player in James [Harden] that he’s probably wanted to play with for a while. A lot of players want to play with James because of his play-making abilities,” Wade said.
“I’ve heard James is a great leader, too. I’ve never been in a locker room with him, but a lot of guys speak very highly of James Harden in their locker room. To go as a veteran guy and go play with other veterans in this time of his career, is probably something that is needed and wanted and is very important for him. To be around guys that are grown, grown as hell. It’s a different thing when you’re around that kind of energy. I look forward to it.”
What’s Next For Suns After Moving On From Bradley Beal
GettyBradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on in a game against the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at Ball Arena on March 7, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tyler McFarland/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)
Dwyane Wade may have been right in his explanation towards Bradley Beal’s situation with the Suns. The fit with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant didn’t pan out in the way Beal hoped it would, which resulted in his exit from Phoenix to entry to Los Angeles.
Injuries plagued Beal’s time with the team, missing 58 games throughout two seasons. He averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game in the 106 games he took part in. He shot 50.5% from the field, including 40.7% from beyond the arc, and 80.8% from the free-throw line.
In the meantime, the Suns begin a new era while having Booker be their top star. On top of releasing Beal, they traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. In exchange, they received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and draft compensation.
It’s clear they are taking a different direction as Booker commits to the team after securing a historic contract extension. With his long-term security intact, Booker can continue to play at a high level while Phoenix attempts to build a strong supporting cast around him.
Booker helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021 as one of their best players. With the team in a huge need of leadership, he could embrace that role and bring the squad back into the conversation of serious contention.
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