As soon as Michael Winger stepped into his new role as President of Monumental Basketball, it became evident Bradley Beal wasn’t part of the Washington Wizards’ plans for the future. Last week, the Beal got traded to the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster deal that included Chris Paul.
The Suns introduced Beal to the Phoenix media Thursday. Beal spoke about how difficult the decision was for him to waive his no-trade clause. But he feels good to be with an organization that wants him.
“It was a difficult decision, honestly,” Beal said, per Josh Robbins of The Athletic. “But it all came down to Washington and their front office… Phoenix knows better than anyone how tough the decision was.
“I’m just excited to be here,” Beal continued. “I’m excited that this is a city and an organization that pretty much wanted me. And so, more or less, it’s kind of go where you’re wanted. That’s kind of the message I received in this whole process, and again I’m excited to be here and excited for the opportunity.”
Bradley Beal spent 11 seasons with the Washington Wizards after getting drafted third overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. Beal spent the early portion of his career in Washington alongside John Wall. The Wizards became a marquee attraction, reaching the postseason five times in six seasons.
However, after injuries got the best of Wall, the Wizards shifted to Beal as the cornerstone. Wall got traded, and the Wizards became Beal’s team.
Unfortunately, the wins didn’t remain. The Wizards failed to win more than 35 games in any of the last five seasons. They reached the postseason just once during that span. Yet, Beal got rewarded with a $251 million super-max contract extension last summer.
Fans grew restless with the team’s direction as the Wizards sat in NBA purgatory. Owner Ted Leonsis sought a change this offseason, firing the team president and general manager Tommy Sheppard, one of Beal’s biggest supporters.
Leonsis hired Winger. Then, Winger added Will Dawkins as the Wizards’ GM and former Atlanta Hawks president Travis Schlenk as senior VP of player personnel. Leonsis accepted a rebuild, and the first domino to fall was getting Beal to accept a trade with his no-trade clause.
Judging by his words on Thursday, Beal may have felt the chatter from Wizards fans who hoped the organization to embrace a rebuild. The new front office came in with the idea of reshaping the roster. Beal felt the room’s temperature and steered his way to Phoenix.
Now for the first time in his NBA career, Beal has a legit shot at competing for an NBA championship, playing with superstars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Durant and Booker were part of the Suns’ contingent that tried to woo Beal. Thus, he feels wanted and ready to move forward with a chance to win.
