NBA Trade Rumors: Bradley Beal's 1st Priority Would Be 'Winning' If He Waived Clause

Moving to another NBA playoff contender would be "the first priority" for Phoenix Suns star Bradley Beal to get him to sign off on a trade, according to The Athletic's Fred Katz.

Katz reported that Beal would focus on "winning" when evaluating any new destinations.

As much as the three-time All-Star's future is a topic of discussion, though, the Suns haven't spoken with him about the idea of a trade.

"He would consider waiving his no-trade clause for the right destination, according to a source familiar with his thinking," Katz said. "But as of now, management hasn't gauged whether he wants out—and if so, to where? It's not Beal's style to approach a front office on his own. He went 11 years in Washington without asking for a trade. Once the Wizards finally moved him, it was because new leadership initiated the idea, not the other way around. He has told people close to him that if the Suns never ask him to waive the no-trade clause to facilitate a deal, then he won't propose it on his own."

Phoenix started bringing Beal off the bench in a 109-99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 6. Fans naturally wondered whether his demotion was in any way related to the trade drama.

"If so, I need to be addressed because I hold the cards," Beal said matter-of-factly. "Until I'm addressed and somebody says something different, then I'll be a Sun."

The 31-year-old does in fact hold all of the cards and it sounds like he intends to keep it that way. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported on Jan. 17 he "has steadfastly maintained he wants to hold on to his no-trade clause, even if he ever approves a trade from Phoenix."

The Suns' lack of direct conversations with Beal about this topic could indicate a belief within their front office that the list of places he'd be willing to go is pretty small, so small as to make a divorce all but impossible before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.