This presupposes that the trade for Beal is the original roster construction problem in Phoenix that must be solved -- that under the new collective bargaining agreement, building a team around three max salary players, one of whom is performing far below a max level, is untenable.

Katz reports that, despite his apathy towards a Bulls trade, Beal would be open to being dealt away from the Suns, provided he is sent to a “winning team.” He finds cold-weather destinations less appetizing. The Bulls, being in such a climate and also sporting a sub-.500 19-27 record, are not among trade destinations Beal would approve.

The trouble with including Beal is that he has a no-trade clause. He can therefore veto any trade the Suns present him with, and despite reports to the contrary, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, told Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic that Beal has not agreed to head to any specific teams in a possible deal.