According to the Phoenix Suns’ head coach Mike Budenholzer, third-option veteran Bradley Beal will be sidelined for at least one week due to a hamstring injury.

Beal suffered the injury in their loss to the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half. He did not play in the second half, and was later ruled out for an extensive period of time.

“He had an MRI today, and we’ll be hopeful that this next week goes well, and re-evaluate him then,” said Budenholzer.

It is unclear if Collin Gillespie will be the full-time replacement for Beal, but he did get the start in Phoenix’s blowout win over the Toronto Raptors.

The Suns are fighting for the final Play-In spot, as they are a game behind the short-handed Dallas Mavericks. They have 13 games remaining on their schedule, with them playing at home against the Chicago Bulls Wednesday.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer has made the decision to reinsert Bradley Beal back into the starting lineup. Fans saw Phoenix’s “Big 3” play together during Saturday’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

The veteran guard replaced Tyus Jones at the point guard position. Despite benching him, Jones is still “valued” by the Suns and Budenholzer.

Phoenix is trying to jumpstart to their team for their playoff push, as they’ve slipped to 11th in the Western Conference. They are currently 27-29 on the season, with them being 1-1 after the All-Star break.

“He organizes us. He brings leadership, stability,” Budenholzer said. “He’s a point guard. He’s that guy that’s looking to get everybody involved. Has a comfort level with that spot. He’s been good.”

In his first game back as a starter, Beal put up 25 points (10/19 FG), six rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Brian Windhorst, only two teams were willing to trade for Bradley Beal: the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards.

Washington, who traded Beal to Phoenix, and Atlanta, who was looking for draft compensation and moving off some of their old players, were the only two teams to even consider trading for the $50 million guard.

Ultimately, they decided not to, like everyone else, because the draft capital couldn’t outweigh the massive contract they were taking on. Remember, this isn’t an expiring contract worth $50 million.

This season, he was making $50.2 million. Next season, $53.6 million. After that, in the 2026-27 season, he can opt into his $57 million player option. The money, combined with the fact that he has a no-trade clause, was a huge deterrent from even the worst of teams taking on his contract.

In 37 games, the 31-year-old averages 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 32.4 minutes.