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Bradley Beal and the Phoenix Suns might be heading towards a split this offseason, following a season marked by uncertainty and underperformance.

The Suns were reportedly chasing Jimmy Butler before last month’s NBA trade deadline, according to ESPN. However, nothing came of it, and Butler, frustrated with his situation in Miami, was ultimately traded to the Golden State Warriors in a dramatic deal.

Beal holds a no-trade clause in his contract, which could have complicated any potential deadline moves. However, he seems open to the idea of being traded in the offseason, provided he lands with a contending team. "I enjoy the game, man," Beal said in an interview with ESPN. "This game is fun. I try not to let anyone take the joy out of it for me. It’s very hard. We’re all human beings, man. We have every right to shut down. We have every right to question what’s going on. You have every right to say, ‘Why me?’ But I feel like that just drags you down a little bit more than you need."

Despite the challenges, Beal remains upbeat. "I’m still playing in the NBA, I still have the best job in the world, and I still have my no-trade clause. So, I’m smiling every day," he said, making it clear that his love for the game isn't easily shaken.

The three-time NBA All-Star has had a solid season, averaging 17.6 points and 3.7 assists over 47 games. However, the Suns find themselves in a precarious position, sitting in the eleventh spot in the Western Conference standings as of Saturday. If the playoffs began today, the Suns would not make the cut.

Beal is set to earn just over $110 million over the next two years, a substantial commitment for any team considering acquiring him. For now, Suns fans are left wondering if Beal’s sunny disposition will carry him through another season in Phoenix or if it’ll shine elsewhere next year.