In a detailed report on the state of the Phoenix Suns (and shoe-tying frequency), The Athletic’s Fred Katz included a striking detail about Bradley Beal and the league’s only no-trade clause.

Per Katz: “The Suns are making calls … though they have yet to ask Beal for his thoughts about any potential trade, team sources said. Beal’s sign-off is necessary, considering he can veto any deal that includes him.”

Katz added: “He would consider waiving his no-trade clause for the right destination, according to a source familiar with his thinking. But as of now, management hasn’t gauged whether he wants out—and if so, to where?”

It’s impossible to imagine the Suns haven’t had discussions with Beal about a potential trade. They benched him for a rookie a couple of weeks ago, and he’s the only realistic way for the team to acquire Jimmy Butler or anyone else of consequence.

If it’s actually true that the Suns’ front office hasn’t communicated with Beal on the topic of a trade, the three-time All-Star should be livid. There’s no way he’s oblivious to the rumors out there, and he must understand the financial reality that he’d have to be involved in any significant deal.

The benching should have spurred a conversation about Beal’s satisfaction on its own. Coupled with all the speculation about a trade, the Suns have definitely had some kind of conversation about what destinations he’d prefer—or be willing to accept.

Grant Hughes covers the NBA for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter (@gt_hughes), and subscribe to the Hardwood Knocks podcast, where he appears with Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale.