After a period of intense speculation, Bradley Beal is charting a new course for his career, opting to join the Los Angeles Clippers from the Phoenix Suns. This move has heightened expectations among the Clippers’ fan base, with the potential lineup for the upcoming season appearing formidable and exciting.
Negotiations between the Suns and Beal facilitated his transition, enabling him to don the Clippers jersey. He will join a roster featuring standout talents such as James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac. However, Beal’s decision went beyond mere contractual agreements with the Suns.
As reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Beal’s choice was influenced not solely by the promising prospects the Clippers are cultivating. Crucially, James Harden played an instrumental role in enticing Beal to commit to Los Angeles.
“I’m told James Harden was a focal point in recruiting Bradley Beal… The Clippers view Bradley Beal as a perfect fit alongside Kawhi Leonard and James Harden… They see him as a natural, seamless fit at the starting shooting guard position following the trade of Norman Powell,” Charania explained on ESPN, shedding light on the dynamics of Beal’s arrival.
Beal’s deal with the Suns
With Beal’s addition, the Clippers are poised to strengthen their roster, aiming to rebound from a disappointing season where they failed to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. The front office is optimistic about the financial aspects of the trade, confident that Beal’s deal with the Phoenix Suns is advantageous for both him and the team.
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Bradley Beal leaves Phoenix for Los Angeles: Clippers’ projected lineup with James Harden, Kawhi Leonard for 2025-26 NBA season
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, the Suns are set to cover nearly $20 million for Beal’s contract, provided they make a decision before August. “It is expected that the Suns will ultimately elect to waive-and-stretch Beal’s remaining contract over five years,” Siegel shared on X.
He further explained, “This means he would be on the books for $19.4 million each season over the next five years as a dead cap hit. Phoenix has until August to decide.”
Beal’s stats with the Suns
In 53 games with the Suns, Beal was a starter in 38 contests. He averaged 17 points per game, alongside 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists, clocking in at 32.1 minutes per game. Despite his efforts to propel the Suns towards a playoff berth, they ultimately fell short of their goals.
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