Bradley Beal had hoped to recreate his performances with the Washington Wizards in Phoenix. However, that has not been the case.
Phoenix Suns fans seem ready to move on from the three-time All-Star as the organization reaches an inflection point. However, his wife, Kamiah Adams-Beal, is making a business move suggesting that the shooting guard has no plans to leave.
Fans React as Bradley Beal’s Wife Hints at Decision To Stay in Phoenix
Kamiah recently announced the opening of a flagship brick-and-mortar for her beauty and lifestyle brand, XO by Kamiah, in Phoenix. Fans understand that she would not make such a large investment in the city if the couple had plans to move soon. She announced the news on March 22, the anniversary of her brand.
This sent shockwaves through the Suns’ fanbase as they had expected to move on from their former All-Star guard in the offseason as Phoenix approaches a potential overhaul.
“KD’s gone for this bum OMG,” replied one fan, anticipating Durant’s rumored offseason exit after the 2024-25 season.
“He’s [Beal’s] staying unfortunately,” responded one user.
He’s staying unfortunately https://t.co/3SeFMlFKg7
— Low ✰ (@LoneyLow)
While the frustration is real from Phoenix fans, it’s not totally unfounded.
According to Forbes NBA contributor Evan Sidery, the Suns are 11-3 with Durant and Booker this season when Beal sits out. He called for the Suns to find a way to offload Beal in the offseason, but given his no-trade clause (and his wife’s grounded connection to the city), it may be tricky for the Suns to pull a move off.
The Suns are now 11-3, a 64-win pace, when Kevin Durant and Devin Booker play without Bradley Beal this season.
Phoenix needs to do whatever it takes to offload Beal this summer to properly build a title contender around Durant and Booker. pic.twitter.com/SCei5wIAHF
— Evan Sidery (@esidery)
What would otherwise be a celebrated occasion for his wife turned into a bout of backlash from frustrated fans.
Beal Flexed His Contract as the Suns Face Issues With Him on the Court
This season, Beal has averaged 17.3 points, his fewest since the 2014-15 season, with 3.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists, both his lowest since the 2016-17 season. Phoenix has found success without Beal this season, who has played just 48 of the Suns’ 71 games. However, that isn’t an issue for the 31-year-old, who recently commented about his contract, especially the no-trade clause.
“I’m still playing in the NBA, I still have the best job in the world, and I still have my no-trade clause. So, I’m smiling every day,” he said.
Beal has two years remaining on his contract, and if he doesn’t choose to accept a trade, the Suns will pay him $110 million over that time. However, as the franchise battles to secure a playoff spot, they’ll be without Beal (hamstring) on Monday, March 24, as they take on the Milwaukee Bucks.
