NBA World Erupted Over Blockbuster Bradley Beal, Chris Paul Trade

Wizards and Suns fans offered vastly different perspectives on the deal.
NBA World Erupted Over Blockbuster Bradley Beal, Chris Paul Trade
NBA World Erupted Over Blockbuster Bradley Beal, Chris Paul Trade /

It finally happened.

After years of speculation and 695 games with the Wizards—third-most in franchise history—Washington reportedly traded guard Bradley Beal to the Suns Sunday afternoon.

Per reports, the Wizards netted guards Chris Paul and Landry Shamet in the trade, along with an assortment of draft capital.

It was an unceremonious end to Beal’s tenure with Washington, a team that hasn’t won 50 games since 1979. Meanwhile, Phoenix put yet another veteran star around guard Devin Booker mere months after acquiring forward Kevin Durant from the Nets.

Needless to say, reaction from basketball fans around the world was swift and varied.

Many focused on the light package the Wizards received for a three-time All-Star who hasn’t averaged fewer than 20 points per game since 2016.

Suns fans rebuked questions about whether the team had become too star-heavy, a common query during their postseason loss to the Nuggets in this past season’s Western Conference semifinals.

Beal’s unique no-trade clause was the subject of discussion—and more than a few jokes.

Washington fans and writers’ reactions were decidedly mixed.

Phoenix’s new ownership—led by aggressive owner and former Michigan State guard Mat Ishbia—was also thrust into the spotlight.

Content is unavailable

All told, Suns fans and writers were upbeat after yet another blockbuster deal.

One thing seems for certain: the first meeting between the Suns and the Wizards figures to be must-see television, if only for the strange sight of Beal playing against his old team.


Published
Patrick Andres
PATRICK ANDRES

Patrick Andres is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in December 2022, having worked for The Blade, Athlon Sports, Fear the Sword and Diamond Digest. Andres has covered everything from zero-attendance Big Ten basketball to a seven-overtime college football game. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism with a double major in history .