Reports: Bradley Beal Recruited By Sleeper Agent Before Signing With The Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal completed what many predicted would be a bad time in Phoenix with a waiver on Wednesday. The veteran with 13 years of NBA experience was freed up by the Suns to pursue a new team after internally agreeing to a buyout on the remainder of his max contract. Beal gave up nearly $14 million in salary before signing with the LA Clippers for a $11 million contract for a period of two years.

Bradley Beal was pursued by several teams, including the Miami Heat, Clippers, Warriors, Lakers, Wolves and Bucks. He chose the move to LA in order to play with a roster that could fit with his pace and style of play. The opportunity to play alongside James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and other stars who can slow the game down and play at a more manageable pace was easier for him than to adapt his style to other teams.

ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania gave the lowdown on what transpired behind the scenes before the Bradley Beal release from the Suns was finalized:

The last few weeks, Bradley Beal, his representative Mark Bartelstein, they’ve been talking and meeting with several teams around the league. Aside from the Clippers, we’ve seen the Bucks, Lakers, Warriors, Timberwolves, Heat, all were involved here in this process. But Bradley Beal this morning decided to sign with the Clippers and team up with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.

Shams Charania also added that former Houston Rocket James Harden was the man doing the majority of the recruiting for the former Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards guard:

Here’s something interesting. I’m told James Harden was a focal point in recruiting Bradley Beal. Internally, but also speaking directly to Beal and his camp. And the Clippers really viewed Bradley Beal as a perfect fit alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Being able to shoot 50% from the field, 40% from three point range last season. He shot career highs in 2-point field goals as well as at the rim last season…They see him as a natural, seamless fit at the starting shooting guard position.