Beal scores 25 points off bench: I'm not going to be 'a distraction'
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal made the most of his new situation Monday, scoring a team-high 25 points off the bench in a 109-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Suns were on a four-game losing skid heading into Monday, and head coach Mike Budenholzer changed things up by moving Beal and Jusuf Nurkic to the bench in favor of Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee.
It was Beal's first game coming off the bench in nine years and his first time doing so as a member of the Suns. The 31-year-old said it was "a little difficult" making the switch, according to AzCentral's Duane Rankin.
"Coach made a decision," said Beal. "I'm not going to sit there and argue with him. I'm not going to sit here and be a distraction. I'm not going to sit here and be an asshole."
He added, "I just gotta go out and play my game and do what I do. Whatever happens from there, happens from there."
Beal does not believe he should be considered a bench player despite the move.
"I'm a starter in the league, I firmly believe that," said Beal. "No disrespect to anybody but I'm a starter."
The three-time All-Star has been linked to trade talks involving disgruntled Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. Beal is in the third season of a five-year, $251-million contract that includes a full no-trade clause.
Beal was asked if his move to the bench is related to the recent rumors.
"If so, I need to be addressed because I hold the cards," said Beal, according to Rankin. "Until I'm addressed and somebody says something different, then I'll be a Sun."
Beal is averaging 18.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists through 32 games this season.
The Suns sit at 17-19 and are 12th in the Western Conference. They return to action Tuesday against the Charlotte Hornets.