Phoenix Suns hit with another injury blow as $50,203,930 star exits game vs. Grizzlies – Image: Getty

The Phoenix Suns faced yet another injury setback as their highly paid guard Bradley Beal exited just before halftime during Tuesday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. The team announced that Beal had sustained a hip contusion and would not return for the rest of the game.

Already shorthanded, the Suns were without injured guards Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, while Jusuf Nurkic is serving a suspension. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies were also missing key players Ja Morant, Marcus Smart and Zach Edey.

Beal suffered the injury when he landed on his hip after being fouled, shot his free throws and exited the game.

Jaren Jackson Jr. commanded the first quarter for Memphis, putting up 19 points to secure a 36-26 lead. While the Phoenix Suns showed signs of life in the second quarter, they were still outscored 33-29, with their woes compounded by Beal’s injury.

All three Suns stars have dealt with injuries to start the year. The team had just welcomed Devin Booker back from a groin injury.

Beal, who is earning $50,203,930 annually under a five-year, $251,019,650 contract, has already missed 10 games this season due to injuries.

Tuesday’s game marked only the 13th game together for the Phoenix Suns’ star trio of Beal, Kevin Durant and Booker this season.

Bradley Beal responds to rumors of Jimmy Butler eyeing trade to Phoenix Suns

Bradley Beal has found himself at the center of trade speculation, particularly in connection to Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. Despite the buzz, Beal made it clear he isn’t paying attention to the chatter.

He pointed to his extensive experience dealing with trade rumors during his tenure with the Washington Wizards.

“The same thing until one of them comes and says something to me and talks to me. It’s just out there. I’m a Phoenix Sun and I’m here and I’m in a uniform, but I don’t pay attention to that, man. They did that with me for 10 years,” Beal said (per Suns writer Gerald Bourguet).

Earlier, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors were the top two destinations Butler would prefer in a potential trade.

However, Beal holds a full no-trade clause, giving him the power to veto any deal unless he chooses to waive the clause.