How the Phoenix Suns’ demise could aid the Wizards’ rebuild

Phoenix is 16-18 this season

On June 18, 2023, Washington Wizards general manager Will Dawkins and President of Monumental Basketball Michael Winger ended years of organizational malpractice by opting to trade guard Bradley Beal.

Where Beal went didn’t matter to most Wizards fans. What resonated post-trade is that Beal, his $250 million contract and his full no-trade clause were now someone else’s problem.

A reminder of the full trade:

Phoenix:

• Bradley Beal
• Isaiah Todd
• Jordan Goodwin

Washington:

• Chris Paul
• Landry Shamet
• Second-round picks (‘24, ‘25, ‘26, ‘27, ‘28, ‘30)
• First-round pick swaps (‘24, ‘26, ‘28, ‘30)

Eighteen months later, here’s a look at what’s transpired.

Chris Paul was quickly dealt to Golden State for a package centered around Jordan Poole, who’s averaging career highs in points, assists, steals, blocks and 3-point percentage in Washington this season. Paul was waived after just one season in Golden State.

The Wizards bottomed out — as expected — and secured the No. 2 overall pick. They used that selection on F/C Alex Sarr, who just won Eastern Conference Rookie of Month after averaging 13.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.5% from three.

As of the date this article is being published, Washington owns the worst record in the league at 6-27 and has positioned itself for a top pick in what’s considered the best draft class in years.

For as terrible a season as Washington is having, it’s fully expected, which is why Phoenix’s disastrous 16-18 record — albeit 10 games better than Washington’s — is way more concerning. A team featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal — a group that was swept last April by the Minnesota Timberwolves — is in danger of missing the playoffs outright.

If that’s not enough of a ringing endorsement to show just how much of a disaster the Beal trade was for Phoenix, Chris Haynes added to that sentiment on Sunday when he reported that there’s tension in the Suns’ locker room, which has prompted them to move Beal to the bench, with rookie Ryan Dunn taking his place in the starting lineup.

And there’s more. Phoenix is reportedly a top contender to land disgruntled Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, who recently requested a trade from the organization.

With Beal’s no trade clause still a factor, the 31-year-old would have to be included in any Butler trade package. However, where he gets dealt, as was the case two years ago, is solely in his hands — and Beal fully understands that.

It was no secret that in June 2023, Beal’s preferred landing spot was Miami. However, the Heat wanted no part of his massive contract, so Beal shifted gears to Phoenix. Now in 2025, it’s more of the same, as Miami reportedly has ‘no desire’ in taking on Beal’s massive contract, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

So, if Phoenix is handicapped with Beal’s contract, a divided locker room and a disappointing record, what do they do?

Well, if they decide to blow it up and rebuild by trading their stars and re-acquiring premiere assets, the draft may very well run through Washington.

With the Wizards owning five of Phoenix’s second-round picks and three pick swaps through 2030, Washington could propel itself to contention by 2026-27 and still be picking in the lottery courtesy of the Suns. And that’s not to mention how useful those late-round selections could be in offloading salary, acquiring role players or moving up in future drafts for top prospects.

Whatever Phoenix decides to do, one thing is for certain: The Wizards fleeced the Suns in the Bradley Beal trade. Most ball-knowers knew it back in June 2023, but it’s become more and more evident to even the casual NBA fan recently.

Wizards fans should keep an eye on what transpires in Phoenix in the coming weeks, for it could greatly affect how quickly Washington returns to contention.