Learn how Bradley Beal's powerful statement highlights his role as the Suns' Sixth Man and potential key to acquiring Jimmy Butler.

Bradley Beal came off the bench Monday for the first time since his fourth NBA season. He's been linked to a Jimmy Butler trade.

It’s understandable that Beal was caught off-guard. He has been advertised as one leg of this big three in Phoenix since the moment he waived his no-trade clause about a year and a half ago to approve a trade out of Washington.

There’s a catch: Beal is one of two players in the league along with LeBron James to have a no trade clause in his contract. If the Suns want to deal him, Beal has to approve it. What better way to convince him to get out of town than by benching him?

Bradley Beal said he's gotten no indication the Phoenix Suns want to move on from him. He said so after he was removed from the starting lineup Monday night,

Chris Mannix of SI Now has gone further a report that has been circulated for nearly a month now - going to the point of removing the Golden State Warriors from the list of Butler's preferred destinations, and ultimately leaving Phoenix as the lone focus in terms of finding a new home.

Recently, Stephen A. Smith took to ESPN to give a harsh criticism of Phoenix, as well as some friendly advice on why he thinks they should pursue Jimmy Butler via trade.

Suns guard Bradley Beal was candid when asked about the trade rumors with Jimmy Butler, as well as coming off the bench.

PHOENIX -- Amid a flurry of trade rumors surrounding his name, Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal finally broke his silence. When asked if his recent benching was due to a potential move, Beal offered the following: "If so, I need to be addressed because I hold the cards. Until I'm addressed and somebody says something different, I'll be a Sun."

The Phoenix Suns moved Bradley Beal to the bench on Monday night in an effort to shake up what has been a disappointing season under first-year coach Mike Budenholzer. It worked, at least for one night,

A: But the Heat also knew this could be the situation, that Jimmy Butler had the hammer of an opt-out clause, giving him the right to turn any trade into a rental. And yet, when you look at the desire for Jimmy to get the maximum amount of years on an extension,