Bradley Beal’s time with the Phoenix Suns appears to be nearing its conclusion, as a buyout between the two sides is widely seen around the league as inevitable – it’s more a matter of when than if.
Once Beal hits the open market, the Los Angeles Clippers are widely expected to be the frontrunners to land the three-time All-Star, according to reporting from Law Murray, Dan Woike, and Fred Katz of The Athletic.
NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin had previously reported that the Clippers were viewed as the favorites to sign Beal if he were bought out, and recent roster moves by L.A. seem to support that projection.
While the player is aware he won’t immediately recoup the salary he’ll lose in a buyout, he’s reportedly willing to make that sacrifice to move on.
If the Suns decide to use the stretch provision, a financial maneuver that would distribute Beal’s remaining guaranteed salary across five years instead of two, he would have to give up at least $13.8 million under current collective bargaining rules.
According to The Athletic, one possible scenario under consideration is a two-year deal with the Clippers that includes a player option for the 2026–27 season.
That structure would allow Beal to return to free agency in just one year, potentially recovering his lost earnings if he performs at a high level.
In anticipation of a possible Beal signing, the Clippers have already begun reshaping their roster.
They traded away Norman Powell, reportedly because they were unwilling to commit to him long-term, and waived Jordan Miller, moves that cleared both a depth chart spot and some additional cap flexibility.
L.A. has already used $8.75 million of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Brook Lopez, but they still have approximately $5.35 million left – funds that could be offered to Beal without pushing them over the first apron of the salary cap, giving the team enough room to round out the rest of the roster.
While the Clippers are seen as Beal’s most likely destination, they aren’t alone in pursuing him.
According to The Athletic, the Lakers, Warriors, and Bucks have also expressed interest in signing the veteran guard.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been floated as a potential suitor as well, though it remains unclear whether there is mutual interest between Beal and that organization.
Clippers Reportedly Favorites To Land Bradley Beal https://t.co/rzRDFhAA5l pic.twitter.com/sh6jRicsI9
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 8, 2025
