Bradley Beal has reportedly considered the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks as team he is interested in signing with after he completes his anticipated buyout with the Phoenix Suns and becomes a free agent.
Beal must give back at least $13.8 million in his buyout with the Phoenix Suns in order for the team to be allowed to waive-and-stretch what remains on his $110.8 million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. The Suns will have a dead cap hit of $19.4 million through the 2029-30 season. Phoenix is motivated to save tax dollars this season.
Because most of the NBA is operating without cap space this offseason, Beal will be limited in what he can sign for. The Clippers can offer Beal the balance of their midlevel exception with a $5.3 million starting salary. Zach Lowe reported on his podcast on Monday that the feeling around the NBA is that the Clippers are the favorites to sign Beal, especially following their trade of Norman Powell.
The Lakers can offer Beal the biannual exception worth $5.1 million. Milwaukee could possibly offer Beal the biggest role, but they can only offer a minimum contract because they have used up their exceptions. The Warriors are in a holding pattern as they await a resolution to the Jonathan Kuminga restricted free agency while also remaining the favorites to sign Al Horford if he doesn’t retire.
Beal remained a productive player during his two seasons with the Suns, but the fit with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant wasn’t as strong as they envisioned. In 53 games last season, Beal averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Beal is represented by Reggie Brown and Mark Bartelstein.