Bradley Beal traded to Phoenix Suns as star waives no-trade to join Kevin Durant

18 June 2023 , 20:38

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Bradley Beal will move to the Phoenix Suns (Image: AP)

The Washington Wizards have made the decision to trade Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns, after the 29-year-old opted to waive his no-trade option.

Much has been said about the future of Beal's career during the off season, with a whole host of franchises keen to acquire the signature of the now former Wizards star. Reports suggested that the 29-year-old was a target of both the Suns and Miami Heat.

And per ESPN, it is the Phoenix-based franchise who have won the race to take on Beal, who is set to form an impressive trio with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.

Outlining the work behind the deal, Beal's agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN: "This was an extremely complicated process with so many different hurdles to get through, and Ted Leonsis and Michael Winger were unbelievable partners in making this happen.

"From the day that Ted drafted Brad he has been by our side along with [former general managers] Ernie Grunfeld and Tommy Sheppard. They've always had Brad's back in every way and now we have experienced the exact same thing with Ted and Michael Winger. We are extremely grateful."

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Bradley Beal was drafted by the Wizards in 2012.

Whilst the 29-year-old is an impressive acquisition for the Suns, it will also relieve some much-needed weight off the roster of the Wizards. The departure of Beal relieves £161 million, giving President Michael Winger the chance to reshape the team.

Beal has announced himself as a stalwart of the Washington-based setup during his time with the franchise. He was initially drafted as a No. 3 pick back in 2012, and has spent the last nine years with the Wizard before departing ahead of the new campaign.

Joshua Lees