Clippers, Suns accomplish offseason goals with Bradley Beal buyout, signing

ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania wrote earlier this offseason that the Suns had granted Beal permission to speak with potential teams, and the two-time All-Star "became extremely excited about the route to part ways" following those meetings.

Beal, 32, fits the Clippers' timeline for contending around forward Kawhi Leonard, 34, and James Harden, who turns 36 in August.

His biggest concern, along with Leonard's, is his availability. Beal has missed 132 games since the start of the 2021-22 season, averaging 33 games per season.

Last season, he appeared in 53 games for the second consecutive season, starting 38 times and averaging 17 points, 3.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game.

Beal should take Norman Powell's spot in the starting lineup. On July 7, the Clippers dealt Powell to the Miami Heat as part of a three-team deal, acquiring power forward John Collins from the Utah Jazz.

With Ivica Zubac and Brook Lopez at center and Kris Dunn, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Derrick Jones Jr. and Nicolas Batum filling out the roster, the Clippers have put together a team that should be a factor in the Western Conference this upcoming season.

As for the Suns, while losing Beal is a likely step in the wrong direction for the 2025-26 season, it gives them significantly more options as they begin a reboot with Devin Booker. 

"This now gives the Suns increased team-building flexibility by taking them out of the first and second aprons," Charania wrote.

ESPN NBA front office expert Bobby Marks expanded on the salary cap implications for the Suns, who moved $8.6 million below the first apron and $20.5M below the second while erasing their tax penalty. Before the transaction, Phoenix was $14M above the second apron with a $176 million penalty.

Marks also shared that the move is the first step for the Suns to have their 2032 first-round pick unfrozen, which would allow them to trade the asset further down the line.

The Clippers and Suns are headed in opposite directions, with Los Angeles aiming to improve after finishing fifth in the Western Conference and Phoenix charting a new path following a failed attempt to qualify for last season's play-in tournament.

Beal's decision was the rare one that benefits both his most recent and future teams. With one move, the Suns and Clippers accomplished their offseason goals.