Bradley Beal’s turbulent tenure with the Phoenix Suns appears to be reaching its end. According to multiple reports, the Suns are in advanced talks to buy out the three-time All-Star’s massive contract, a move that would allow Beal to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.
After two disappointing seasons in Phoenix and the recent departure of Kevin Durant, the franchise is pivoting toward a rebuild and looking to clear its books. If Beal leaves $13.9 million on the table, the Suns can stretch the remainder of his deal over five years and duck both luxury tax aprons.
While Beal’s on-court production dipped last season, he averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists on a team that never clicked, his reputation as a skilled scorer and secondary playmaker still makes him an attractive pickup.
Several contenders have already begun circling, hoping to land him at a discount. Here’s a breakdown of the four teams currently eyeing Beal and what each can realistically offer:
1. Los Angeles Clippers – $5.3 Million
The Los Angeles Clippers are the early frontrunners. They just traded Norman Powell to the Miami Heat and acquired forward John Collins from the Utah Jazz, creating a hole in their starting backcourt.
With $5.3 million remaining from their midlevel exception after signing Brook Lopez, the Clippers can make the most competitive financial offer of all contenders.
Beal would slide seamlessly into a starting shooting guard role next to Kawhi Leonard and James Harden or even Chris Paul, who has also been linked to a reunion with the Clippers. More than the money, LA gives Beal a real shot at title contention and a fresh start in a stable veteran locker room.
2. Los Angeles Lakers – $5.1 Million
Just down the hall at Crypto.com Arena, the Los Angeles Lakers are also preparing a run at Beal. While they can’t offer quite as much as the Clippers, they do have the biannual exception worth $5.1 million, close enough to be competitive. A backcourt of Luka Doncic and Beal, alongside LeBron James and Austin Reaves, would give the Lakers arguably the league’s most dynamic offensive core.
The question is whether Beal wants to play a likely sixth-man role or sacrifice touches in a crowded lineup. Still, the Lakers’ pedigree and his fit with Luka’s playmaking could be enticing.
3. Milwaukee Bucks – $3.8 Million
The Milwaukee Bucks are capped out and can only offer Beal a minimum contract worth $3.8 million, but they still remain in the hunt. Milwaukee just waived Damian Lillard to restructure their roster, then signed Myles Turner to anchor their frontcourt.
Adding Beal as a bench scoring threat would be a luxury move, especially if he is motivated more by fit and contention than salary. However, the limited financial upside may push him elsewhere.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves – $3.8 Million
The Minnesota Timberwolves are the long shot of the four. Like the Bucks, they can only offer a veteran minimum deal due to their cap situation. Beal would likely come off the bench behind Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley, with limited touches.
However, Minnesota is fresh off a deep playoff run and might appeal to Beal if he values culture, team success, and a low-pressure environment.
In the end, the Clippers are the most logical landing spot, financially, schematically, and competitively. But if Beal is willing to take less to chase a ring, the Lakers or Bucks could easily enter the final conversation.
