Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Should the Suns follow suit with Bucks after waiving Lillard with Beal?

Originally posted on Burn City Sports
By Tanner Tortorella | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 12:38 AM ET

One of the biggest shocks this NBA offseason, was the Milwaukee Bucks waiving nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner. After tearing his Achilles in the first round of last year’s postseason, Lillard was expected to recover and comeback near the playoffs. However, general manager Jon Horst had other plans, waiving Lillard’s $112.5 million salary of the next two seasons, which is what the Phoenix Suns have been pondering with guard Bradley Beal.

Should the Suns copy the Bucks and waive Beal?

Beal has $110.7 million remaining in the final two seasons of his contract. As Phoenix battles against the second apron, the front office has tried close to everything to get off Beal’s salary. The three-time All-Star’s no-trade clause and depleted value has made that impossible, with soon waiving him being the only option left.

The Bucks will be paying Lillard $22.5 million over the next five years, while if the Suns do waive Beal, it would be $22.1 million. However, Beal’s cap hit would go from 34.7% of the cap to 14.7% for the 2025-2026 season. It would help Phoenix in the short term to get under the second apron and be able to rebuild via trades or signings.

Paying Beal over $20 million for the next five years to not be on the roster will be a hard pill to swallow for the organization. However, with no looming trade in sight, the front office might need to be creative and follow suit with what the Bucks did with Lillard.

This article first appeared on Burn City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: