Bradley Beal has officially wrapped up a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter as he joins the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year deal worth $11 million. This move aligns perfectly with what many expected: the Clippers were the frontrunners for Beal’s talents, especially once he was able to negotiate a favorable buyout with Phoenix.
At 32 years old, Beal enters this new phase of his career after navigating a complicated situation with his previous contract, which included a no-trade clause and a substantial financial commitment from the Suns – over $53 million for the 2025-26 season. This hefty payout made it nearly impossible for Phoenix to find a trade partner before Beal agreed to the buyout. Let’s not forget the eye-popping $57 million player option he held for the 2026-27 season, which added another layer of complexity.
In order to finalize the buyout, Beal had to give up about $13.9 million over the duration of his contract. This stipulation, governed by the NBA’s salary cap rules, indicates that teams can only spread 15% of the current salary cap to sustain such agreements. Meanwhile, the Suns are already managing $3.8 million in stretched money related to Nassir Little and E.J. Liddell, making the financial landscape a bit tricky.
For the Clippers, they can offer Beal up to $5.3 million in salary this season after utilizing a significant portion of their non-taxpayer mid-level exception to bring in center Brook Lopez. Additionally, the Clippers recently executed a trade that sent Norman Powell to the Miami Heat while acquiring John Collins from the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal. This move signals that the Clippers are revamping their roster, and Beal’s arrival could be a crucial component in their quest for success.
During his second season with the Suns, Beal played in 53 games and averaged 17.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. As he transitions to the Clippers, fans are eager to see how he can increase those numbers in a new system. The stage is set for Beal to make a significant impact, enhancing the Clippers’ chances as they aim for higher aspirations this upcoming season.
