Insider is confident this three-time All-Star lands with Clippers

Bradley Beal's future is becoming a hot topic in NBA circles. The veteran scorer is widely expected to be bought out of his current contract with the Phoenix Suns. If that happens, he will become an unrestricted free agent, where he will likely have suitors from around the NBA.

According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Los Angeles Clippers are the team that would make the most sense. Beal would join a veteran core consisting of James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Brook Lopez.

“Beal would have a lot of suitors if he gets to the open market. He's going to have to take at least $14M less for the buyout to be legal, which means he's going to want to recoup that money,” Windhorst said. “The Clippers are a team that you would think would be a strong candidate for him. Eventually, I think that's gonna get done, but I've been saying that for a week and a half.”

Adding Beal to the Clippers roster would give them a significant offenisve boost. At his best, Beal is an elite scorer and playmaker. He's proven capable of thriving next to a ball-dominant guard, courtesy of his time next to John Wall with the Washington Wizards. As such, there would be no concerns about his fit next to Harden.

Beal is a genuine three-level scorer. Last season, he shot 74% at the rim, 49% from the mid-range and 39% from deep. It's rare an elite offensive talent is available at a cost-controlled price on the free agency market. Steve Ballmer would undoubtedly sanction the additional spending to give the Clippers such a significant championship boost.

Of course, any team acquiring Beal will be aware of the defensive issues that come with him. Once the postseason arrives, opponents will hunt him whenever possible. Head coach Tyronn Lue would need to find a way of hiding him on defense, while also empowering him to thrive as a play finisher and secondary scoring threat.

Beal and the Clippers could both benefit from a partnership. He would get a chance to compete for a championship with players of a similar age. And the franchise would get another All-Star-caliber talent, but at on a cut-price deal. 

On paper, everybody wins. Of course, basketball isn't played on paper, so we would have to wait and see how things played out.