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 output, which resulted in three NBA All-Star Game 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 during a news conference Thursday, June 29, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
On Thursday, Beal spoke at his introductory press conference. A little over a week ago, Beal waived his no-trade clause, allowing him to be traded to the Suns for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and a package of future draft picks.
«I feel refreshed, I feel rejuvenated,» Beal said. «This is an exciting time for me. This is an incredible 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 new head coach of the Suns.
«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 scorers in the game. Great two-way center, one of the best two-way centers in the game.» .
«These parts are a great foundation for what we hope will be a championship race for this franchise.»
Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings at Capital One Arena on March 18, 2023 in Washington, DC (G Fiume/Getty Images)
Beal’s arrival marks the latest big move for new owner Mat Ishbia, who has had an eventful tenure since buying the franchise from embattled Robert Sarver in February. Almost immediately after he was introduced, he approved the team’s big deal to sign Durant at the trade deadline.
A few months later, he had a brief dispute on the bench with Nuggets star Nikola Jokic during a playoff game.
Beal has averaged at least 20 points per game in each of the past seven seasons, including a career-high 31.3 points per game during the 2020-21 season. But he’s 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 settled there,» Beal said as he reflected on his time in the nation’s capital. «So I just want to take a moment to thank the city of DC, thank the organization for allowing this partnership to happen.»
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, May 29. June 2023 in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Beal also said that he is excited about his new challenge. The sharpshooting guard was often the Wizards’ primary scoring option. In Phoenix, he will share the load with other stars.
«I’m excited to play with two Hall of Famers. I’ve never done that before,» Beal said. «I’m excited for what that brings. They’re going to push me in a way that I’ve never been pushed before, and I hope 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.
Associated Press contributed to this report.