NBA Trade Proposal Sends Bradley Beal To Bucks, Damian Lillard To Suns

One NBA analyst proposed that the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns make a trade this offseason not involving Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Dan Favale of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Bucks, Suns and Utah Jazz:

Phoenix Suns Receive: Damian Lillard, Milwaukee’s 2031 first-round pick, Milwaukee’s 2031 second-round pick

Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Bradley Beal (no-trade clause)

Utah Jazz Receive: Chris Livingston, 2026 second-round pick (less favorable of Denver and Golden State, via Phoenix)

This trade only works if Beal approves a move to Milwaukee since he has a no-trade clause in his contract. 

Lillard is a better player than Beal, but the point guard could miss all of next season recovering from his left Achilles tear. 

“Trading for Lillard when he may not play next season after suffering a torn left Achilles wouldn’t help the Suns compete in 2025-26. That’s the point,” Favale wrote. “After regaining control of their 2026 first-rounder (and 2027 first) in the previous deal, they could treat next season as a gap year. Then, in this hypothetical scenario, they would enter 2026-27 with a core of Devin Booker, Lillard on an expiring contract, Jabari Smith Jr., whomever they take at No. 10 this June and another higher first-round pick. They would also have their own 2027 first-rounder, as well as the Bucks’ in 2031. What the Suns do from there is up to them.

“The Bucks shouldn’t make this deal in a vacuum. Beal is owed $110.8 million over the next two years—a contract that is decidedly underwater. But subbing out Lillard for him would show Antetokounmpo that they aren’t belly-flopping into a gap year without any purpose. Make no mistake, it would be a desperation move. If it’s enough to buy more time with Giannis, though, it’s worth the risk. Especially when the Eastern Conference figures to be wide-open next year following Jayson Tatum‘s Achilles injury.”

Beal appeared in 53 games for the Suns this season. He averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 49.7% from the field, 38.6% from 3 and 80.3% from the free-throw line. 

Meanwhile, Lillard played in 58 games for the Bucks. He averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists while shooting 44.8% from the field, 37.6% from beyond the arc and 92.1% from the foul line.