Latest On Bradley Beal, Suns, Clippers

The Phoenix Suns are moving quickly to part ways with guard Bradley Beal, and all signs point to the Los Angeles Clippers as his next destination.

According to a report from Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Suns and Beal have made significant progress toward a buyout agreement. The discussions picked up Sunday, not long after the Milwaukee Bucks waived and stretched Damian Lillard in a similar move, Siegel noted. Phoenix is expected to follow suit with Beal to regain financial flexibility and move below both the first and second salary cap aprons.

The Suns have been eager to move on from Beal since early in the 2024-25 season. Sources told Siegel the relationship between the team and the veteran guard began to sour months ago, but Beal’s no-trade clause and limited market made a deal difficult to complete. A buyout now appears to be the only path forward.

Beal, 32, is expected to give back roughly $13.8 million as part of the agreement. That number lines up with the NBA’s rules on dead cap and allows Phoenix to stretch the remainder of his contract over five seasons. The cap relief would provide immediate room to reshape the roster.

Once the buyout is finalized, Beal will become an unrestricted free agent. Siegel reported that Beal is likely to sign a one-year deal with a second-year player option — commonly referred to as a “1+1” contract — that gives him the chance to re-enter free agency in 2026 and recover some of the money lost in the buyout.

While several teams have expressed interest in Beal, including the Bucks, Lakers, and Warriors, the Clippers have emerged as the clear frontrunners. Siegel reports that multiple league executives at NBA Summer League expect Beal to sign with Los Angeles once the paperwork is complete.

The Clippers still have $5.35 million remaining from their mid-level exception and could offer that full amount to Beal. That would leave them about $3.5 million under the first apron, enough to add another veteran, possibly Chris Paul, on a minimum deal.

Although the Warriors have been loosely linked to Beal in recent days, sources downplayed their involvement. Golden State would consider Beal for a minimum contract, but it is unlikely he would accept such a deal. The Heat, once thought to be a top suitor, instead pivoted to Norman Powell, a player Pat Riley has reportedly targeted since last offseason.

Beal has yet to sign the buyout paperwork, which has delayed the official announcement. However, league insiders believe it is only a matter of time before the former All-Star joins a contender — most likely the Clippers, barring a late surprise.