Exclusive Insights: Clippers Set to Sign Bradley Beal if Suns Opt for Contract Buyout

As Bradley Beal works on a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns, the LA Clippers seem poised to sign him. Sources indicate they are currently leading the interest among various teams in the Western Conference.

Last season, Beal averaged 17.3 points per game. He became a symbol of the Suns’ struggle to build a championship-caliber team around him, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant. If he joins the Clippers, he’d play alongside stars like James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and John Collins.

Recently, the Clippers traded Norman Powell to the Miami Heat in a big three-team deal to bring Collins on board. This move has opened up potential for a stronger lineup.

The Clippers could offer Beal about $5.3 million for the 2025-26 season. They have some cap flexibility left after signing Brook Lopez. Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president of basketball operations, mentioned the team is not finished making moves. “The work’s not done. We still have a lot to do,” he said, emphasizing the competitiveness of the Western Conference.

Beal is also eyeing options with the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks. As of Tuesday, talks regarding a contract buyout were ongoing, and both sides remain hopeful. Beal has two years left on his deal, totaling $110.8 million.

If the Suns waive him, they could stretch that salary over five seasons, which might leave them with about $19.4 million in dead money through 2029-30. However, Beal must give up at least $13.8 million in a buyout for this to happen, an unusual situation in the league.

Given the current state of free agency, Beal knows he might not recoup the $13.8 million immediately. He may prefer a two-year contract with a player option for the second season, allowing him to re-enter the market in 2026 for a more lucrative deal.

In a recent move, the Clippers waived Jordan Miller, giving them extra salary cap space. This decision made it easier to potentially sign Beal without complicating their roster during the transactions.

Beal previously signed a massive five-year, $251 million deal with the Washington Wizards in 2022. It included a rare no-trade clause, offering him significant control over his future.

In today’s NBA, moves like these highlight the strategic balance between talent acquisition and salary management. As players navigate a complex landscape filled with financial considerations, Beal’s situation is a captivating example of how decisions can ripple through a season, influencing not just individual careers but entire franchises.



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Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns, NBA