The Bradley Beal saga appears to be nearing its long-anticipated conclusion, and all signs continue to point toward Los Angeles Clippers. According to multiple reports, including ClutchPoints and ESPN, the former All-Star guard and the Phoenix Suns are close to finalizing a buyout agreement — one that would clear the path for Beal to sign with the Clippers.
A Complicated Exit from Phoenix
Beal’s time in Phoenix was brief and bumpy. Despite averaging 17.0 points on a career-best 49.7% shooting in 2024–25, the Suns’ top-heavy roster, his massive contract, and an evolving team identity made Beal the odd man out following the blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston. With Devin Booker and newly acquired Jalen Green emerging as the focal points, Phoenix began working behind the scenes to part ways with Beal.
The challenge? Beal’s contract is one of the most restrictive in the NBA. He holds a full no-trade clause and is owed more than $110 million over the next two seasons, including a $57.1 million player option in 2026–27. A trade was nearly impossible, so the Suns have followed the path of Milwaukee with Damian Lillard: a waive-and-stretch deal. According to The Stein Line, Beal is set to receive over $13 million in guaranteed money this week, and he’s choosing to wait until that payment clears before finalizing the buyout.
Clippers Remain the Favorites
Support Our LA Firefighters In Style
Despite interest from teams like the Warriors, Lakers, Heat, and Bucks, the Clippers have emerged as the overwhelming favorites to sign Beal once he hits the open market. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has remained bullish on this outcome:
“Beal would have a lot of suitors if he gets to the open market… The Clippers are a team you would think would be a strong candidate for him. Eventually, I think that’s gonna get done, but I’ve been saying that for a week and a half.”
The Clippers have been busy this summer. They re-signed James Harden and Nicolas Batum, traded for John Collins, and added veteran center Brook Lopez on a two-year, $18 million deal. The front office even cleared space by trading Norman Powell to Miami and preserved a portion of their mid-level exception — reportedly with Beal in mind.
What Comes Next
Beal is expected to sign a one-year deal with a player option for 2026 — the classic “1+1” format that gives him flexibility and a chance to regain earnings lost in the buyout. The Clippers still have $5.35 million of their MLE available and remain under the first apron, giving them enough room to sign Beal and potentially add another veteran, such as Chris Paul.
Brook Lopez, who recently joined the team, expressed enthusiasm about what the Clippers are building:
“I’m a Cali boy. I grew up in North Hollywood… To see where the Clippers have come now, it’s just astonishing. It’s beautiful. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
If and when Beal signs, he’ll be joining a reshaped Clippers roster that appears poised to compete at the highest level — provided the final piece falls into place soon.