Credit: Sam Hodde/Nic Antaya/Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Bradley Beal urged to snub Clippers and Lakers to sign with Eastern Conference challengers, ‘he’s going to get…’

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 11:30 AM ET

Bradley Beal should make a return to the Eastern Conference rather than join either LA team, says one NBA expert

Bradley Beal’s future isn’t going to be with the Phoenix Suns. After two middling seasons with the team, Beal is close to agreeing to a buyout with the Suns.

The former All-Star made things difficult for the Suns, as Beal refused to be traded unless he liked the destination.

But now, as Beal gives up $14 million in owed salary to become a free agent, he has to decide where he goes next.

The LA Clippers are reportedly interested in landing Beal, after they traded Norman Powell to the Heat and opened up a spot at shooting guard.

The Lakers are also reportedly interested in Beal. But one NBA insider believes neither team would give Beal as good of an opportunity as one Eastern Conference side.

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Kevin O’Connor suggests Bradley Beal signs with Milwaukee Bucks

Kevin O’Connor spoke on his show about Bradley Beal’s future. Rather than signing with either the LA Lakers or the LA Clippers, he suggested Beal join the Milwaukee Bucks.

O’Connor believes Beal would become the team’s second-best player and get to handle the ball behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. Furthermore, the signing would allow the Bucks to compete for an NBA championship.

“Putting that guy behind Giannis Antetokounmpo is, to me, the best of both worlds. He gets the opportunity to be a guy on ball and be a guy off ball. And he’s going to get a ton of minutes on that team. There’s no overlap on that backcourt.

“The Clippers, I think, they’d be second on my list. The Clippers, I think, would be very Harden-driven, and Kawhi.

“With the Bucks, it would be Giannis and then you as the primary creator.

“I’m not so sure he’d end up choosing the Bucks, I’d guess he’d choose the Lakers or Clippers, the two California teams, but I’m hoping he chooses the Bucks. It would be cool to see that team get bolstered around Giannis.

“Suddenly, the Bucks could have that contender status.”

Milwaukee Bucks need guard depth after waiving Damian Lillard

The Milwaukee Bucks generated quite the bit of controversy during free agency. In a shocking move, the Bucks waived Damian Lillard in order to sign Myles Turner.

Now, without a standout starting point guard, the Bucks must look to other options. The Bucks are reportedly interested in Chris Paul and Malcolm Brogdon as guard options.

Perhaps Beal could be a suitable signing. While Beal isn’t a natural point guard, the Bucks could sign him along with a veteran point guard and carry out their season.

Whatever Milwaukee decides to do, they must keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in mind. The star forward’s future has been the subject of speculation among fans.

Giannis is reportedly evaluating the Bucks’ offseason and will make a decision right after. Hopefully, they can do enough to keep the Greek Freak.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: