Bradley Beal scores 25 off bench, denies trade rumors

Bradley Beal came off the bench for the first time in nine years, scoring 25 points in the Phoenix Suns’ 109-99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Beal tallied 20 of his points in the second half, helping the Suns snap a four-game losing streak.

Coach Mike Budenholzer’s decision to bench Beal sparked speculation about a potential trade. However, Beal, who has a no-trade clause, dismissed the rumors. “If so, I need to be addressed. Until I’m told otherwise, I’m a Sun,” Beal told ESPN. While accepting the lineup change, he reiterated his belief in being a starter in the league.

Beal and Jusuf Nurkic, who also came off the bench, led the Suns’ reserves to a dominant performance, outscoring Philadelphia’s bench 54-7.