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Bradley Beal was the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and spent more than a decade in Washington with the Wizards.
Despite Beal’s personal production, which resulted in three NBA All-Star appearances, the Wizards had several losing seasons.
Earlier this week, Beal celebrated his 30th birthday and is looking forward to a new chapter with the Suns.
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New Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal answers a question at a press conference on Thursday, June 29, 2023 in Phoenix. (AP photo/Ross D. Franklin)
On Thursday, Beal spoke at his introductory press conference. Just over a week ago, Beal waived his no-trade clause, allowing him to be dealt to the Suns in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and a package of future draft picks.
“I feel refreshed, I feel rejuvenated,” Beal said. “This is an exciting moment for me. This is a great team.”
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Beal joins a star-studded roster that includes 13-time All-Star Kevin Durant, three-time All-Star Devin Booker and 2018 No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton. Frank Vogel is the Suns’ new head coach.
“Bradley Beal is one of the best players in the NBA,” Vogel said. “We’re thrilled that he’s a Phoenix Sun with KD and Book. That makes a trio of three of the most prolific goalscorers in the game. A great two-way center, one of the best two-way centers in the game.
“These pieces are a great foundation for what we hope will be a championship for this franchise.”
Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards plays the ball against the Sacramento Kings at the Capital One Arena on March 18, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (G Fiume/Getty Images)
Beal’s arrival marks the latest big move for new owner Mat Ishbia, who has enjoyed an eventful tenure since buying the franchise from embattled Robert Sarver in February. Almost immediately after being introduced, he approved the team’s big deal to get Durant within the trade deadline.
A few months later, he got into a brief sideline altercation with Nuggets star Nikola Jokic during a playoff game.
Beal averaged at least 20 points per game in each of the past seven seasons, including a record high of 31.3 points per game during the 2020-21 season. But he has never played in a second round postseason series.
Beal said he still has fond memories of his time in Washington.
“I have a lot of emotional ties to that city. My family is based there,” Beal said, reflecting on his time in the nation’s capital. “So I just want to take a moment to say thank you to the City of DC, thank the organization for making this partnership possible.”
New Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal, center, is flanked by Suns president of basketball operations and general manager James Jones and head coach Frank Vogel, right, Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Beal also said he is excited about his new challenge. The sharpshooting guard was often the Wizards’ main scoring option. In Phoenix, it shares the payload with several other stars.
“I’m excited to play with two Hall of Famers. I’ve never done that before,” said Beal. “I’m excited for what that entails. They’ll push me in ways I’ve never been pushed before, and hopefully I’ll do the same.”
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The Suns have advanced to the Finals three times – in 1976, 1993 and 2021 – but have never won an NBA title.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
