Bradley Beal’s next team is taking shape!

The Bradley Beal saga is coming to an end. According to The Athletic, the Los Angeles Clippers are now « favorites » to sign the Phoenix Suns guard once he negotiates his buyout with the Arizona franchise. This prospect is materializing as the Suns and Beal are « increasingly optimistic that both parties will agree on buyout terms ».

Clippers are « likely leaders » to sign Bradley Beal if he is bought out by Suns, per @TheAthletic.

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) July 8, 2025

Los Angeles prepares the ground with strategic moves

The Clippers recently orchestrated several moves to free up roster space. Trading Norman Powell to Miami and waiving Jordan Miller created three available spots, allowing the California franchise to make substantial savings. These maneuvers are part of a clear strategy to recruit quality reinforcements.

« The work isn’t finished, we still have a lot to do, but I think we’re moving in the right direction to give this group a chance to be better than last season, » explained Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ president, after the trade with the Heat. « Of course, this guarantees nothing because the West is ruthless, but we have to follow our own path and do our best. »

A considerable financial sacrifice for Beal

To finalize his departure from Phoenix, Bradley Beal will have to agree to give up $13.8 million of the $110.8 million he is still owed until 2027. This amount would allow the Suns to spread the remaining $97 million over five years, thus reducing their annual salary cap and allowing them to exit the luxury tax.

However, recovering these $14 million elsewhere proves complicated. Los Angeles can only offer « just » $5.3 million for the 2025-2026 season, having already used part of their mid-level exception. A similar situation exists with other contenders: the Lakers can only offer $5.1 million via their biannual exception, while the Bucks have no exceptions available.

Limited but real competition

Besides the Clippers, The Athletic also mentions the Lakers, Warriors, and Bucks as potential destinations for the former Wizards player. However, these franchises’ complex financial situations limit their ability to make attractive offers to Beal, who is coming off his worst season in ten years with averages of 17.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds.

Integrating Beal alongside James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, John Collins, and Ivica Zubac could give the Clippers a formidable starting five, capable of competing in the West. All that remains is to finalize the buyout negotiations for this partnership to materialize.