Bradley Beal says he’s ready to ‘chase this ring’ with Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX (AP) — Bradley Beal was drafted on his 19th birthday andspent his entire 20s with the Washington Wizards, where he scored alot of points, enjoyed a little team success, but also sufferedthrough plenty of painful losses.

On Wednesday, he turned 30. Not a bad time for a new chapter inthe three-time All-Star’s life and basketball career.

Beal was introduced as a member of the Phoenix Suns on Thursdayat the Footprint Center, more than a weekafter he waived a no-trade clausethat allowed him to be sent to the desertinexchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and a package of futuredraft picks.

“I feel refreshed, I feel rejuvenated,” Beal said. “This is anexciting moment for me. This is an awesome team.”

Beal is now part of one of the NBA’s most star-packed startinglineups, including 13-time All-Star Kevin Durant, three-timeAll-Star Devin Booker and former No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton.They’ve also got a new coach in Frank Vogel, who led the LosAngeles Lakers to a title in 2020.

“Bradley Beal is one of the best players in the NBA,” Vogelsaid. “We’re thrilled to have him be a Phoenix Sun with KD andBook. That forms a trio of three of the most prolific scorers inthe game. A great two-way center, one of the best two-way centersin the game.

“These pieces are a great foundation for what we hope will be achampionship run for this franchise.”

Beal’s arrival marks the latest big move for new owner MatIshbia, who has had an extremely eventful tenure since purchasingthe franchise from the embattled Robert Sarver in February. Almostimmediately after he was introduced,he approved the team’s big deal toland Durantat the trade deadline.

A few months later, hegot into a brief sideline spat withNuggets star Nikola Jokicduring a playoff game.(Thetwo have since madeup.)

Now Ishbia and general manager James Jones have swung a dealthat brings Beal and his big scoring numbers across the country.The three-time All-Star has averaged at least 20 points per game ineach of the past seven seasons, including a career-high 31.3 pointsper game during the 2020-21 season.

Beal never got past the second round of the playoffs with theWizards, but still has plenty of fond memories of his tenure in thenation’s capital.

“I have a lot of emotional ties to that city, my family wasestablished there,” Beal said. “So I just want to take a moment tothank the city of D.C., thank the organization for allowing thispartnership to happen.”

But Beal also admits he’s excited about his new challenge. Thesharpshooting guard was often the Wizards’ main scoring option, butin Phoenix, he’ll be sharing the load with several other stars.

The Suns are trying to win their first championship since comingto the NBA in 1968. They’ve lost in the Finals three times — in1976, 1993 and 2021.

“I’m excited to play with two Hall of Famers, I’ve never donethat,” Beal said. “I’m excited what that brings. They’ll push me inways I’ve never been pushed and hopefully I’ll do the same.”

Beal’s arrival also means the Suns will have to engage in somesalary cap gymnastics to fill out their roster. The foursome ofDurant, Beal, Booker and Ayton will make more than $160 millionnext season.

A summer of bargain hunting on the free agent market awaits, butthat’s a problem to worry about another day.

For now, Beal and the Suns are relishing a roster that lookslike it will be among the very best in the league during theupcoming season.

“Hopefully, we can chase this ring,” Beal said.