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Bucks Linked to $251 Million Star for Possible Next Big Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 2:03 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks have been one of the busiest teams this offseason, shaking up their roster with a mix of bold moves and calculated risks. General manager Jon Horst surprised many by waiving Damian Lillard and stretching his $112.6 million contract, absorbing $22.5 million in dead money over five years to create cap flexibility.

The Bucks quickly used that room to bring in 3-and-D center Myles Turner, added Serbian prospect Bogoljub Markovic in the draft, signed veteran guard Gary Harris and traded for Vasilije Micic. They also re-signed several role players to keep continuity around star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Now, the Bucks could be lining up their next big swing by targeting three-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal, should he hit the open market.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Milwaukee and Miami are both keeping tabs on Beal’s situation with the Phoenix Suns, who are reportedly exploring a buyout of the $251 million deal he signed with the Washington Wizards. “Sources say both Milwaukee and Miami, in fact, would have interest in signing Beal in that scenario,” Stein reported.

The 32-year-old still has two years and $110 million left on his deal, but the Suns may be motivated to trim salary and move on from a disappointing season. If a buyout happens, Beal would become an unrestricted free agent, free of the no-trade clause that limits Phoenix's flexibility.

Milwaukee is reportedly eyeing Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal as a backcourt fit this summer. https://t.co/ewjZ8q0aOj
— Alerts in 6 (@Bucks_Alerts) July 4, 2025

While Beal is no longer the 30-point scorer he once was, he remains a reliable offensive weapon. He averaged 17.0 points on nearly 50% shooting last season and would bring another layer of shot-making to Milwaukee’s backcourt.

The Bucks and Heat are prepared to pursue Bradley Beal, if he agrees to a buyout with the Suns, per @TheSteinLine (https://t.co/k5mImiSMm9).

If Beal hits the open market, he would generate interest at the mid-level exception figure. pic.twitter.com/UKVgbmzkll
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 4, 2025