NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal has made a major decision that could benefit the Phoenix Suns

After several seasons of underperformance, the Phoenix Suns have taken bold steps to reshape their future, starting with the high-profile trade of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. While Durant’s departure brought new opportunities for roster enhancement, it left the franchise at a crossroads regarding further team adjustments. In a surprising turn of events, star player Bradley Beal has reportedly made a decision that could significantly bolster the Suns as they look ahead to the 2025-26 season.

While Beal holds a no-trade clause, the Suns are actively exploring a buyout. Despite being a difficult decision, the 32-year-old seems to have agreed to a condition to facilitate the process. “I’m anticipating he gives up $13.9M of his remaining $110.8M, which would then clear the way for the Suns to waive-and-stretch the resulting $96.9M over 5 years and duck both tax aprons,” Gerald Bourguet reported on his X account, formerly Twitter.

Bradley Beal’s hefty salary of $53.6 million, as reported by Spotrac, presents a significant luxury tax challenge for the Phoenix Suns. A buyout could offer the franchise much-needed financial flexibility, similar to the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent approach with Damian Lillard. By releasing Beal, the Suns would give him the chance to explore free agency and potentially find a fresh start with another NBA team.

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game vs. the Kings at Footprint Center on January 16, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.

How has Bradley Beal performed since joining the Phoenix Suns?

Bradley Beal’s transition from the Washington Wizards to the Phoenix Suns has not been as impactful as many anticipated. Since joining the Suns in the 2023-24 season, Beal has struggled with injuries, limiting him to just 103 games over two years. These setbacks have hindered his ability to establish continuity on the court. Moreover, Beal’s scoring average has dipped to 17.6 points per game, marking one of the lowest in his career.

Despite these challenges, Beal remains a potent offensive weapon for the Suns. In the 2024-25 season, he ranked as the team’s third-leading scorer, underscoring his ability to contribute significantly when healthy. In case he approaches the free agency, Beal’s scoring prowess and experience could make him an attractive option for teams seeking a reliable backup guard to bolster their roster throughout the grueling NBA season.

see also

NBA Rumors: Deadline reportedly set for Suns’ key player Bradley Beal regarding next season

Which NBA teams are reportedly interested in Bradley Beal if he enters free agency?

Bradley Beal, despite not being at peak performance, has sparked interest from four NBA franchises. According to Jake Fischer, the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Los Angeles Clippers are keen to acquire his talents. Among these teams, the Clippers might hold a slight edge in securing Beal. With Norman Powell’s recent departure, he could seamlessly step in to fill that void, offering the team a reliable scoring option.