Contract buyout of Beal struck with the Suns, secured for a move to the Clippers, according to reports
In a significant move in the NBA, Bradley Beal, the 32-year-old American basketball player who was the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, has left the Phoenix Suns to join the Los Angeles Clippers. This change is not a direct trade but a contract buyout followed by a free-agent signing.
Beal's time with the Suns, which began in June 2023 following a high-profile trade from the Washington Wizards, was marked by injuries, inconsistent performance, and chemistry issues. Despite having the most expensive roster in the NBA last season, the Suns finished the 2022-2023 season with a record of 36-46 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Facing a deadlock, the Suns granted Beal permission to explore opportunities with other teams. After weeks of negotiations, the two sides agreed to a buyout, with Beal forfeiting approximately $13.9 million of the $110 million remaining on his contract to facilitate his exit. The Suns are expected to use the waive-and-stretch provision to spread the financial impact over five years, providing them with greater flexibility to rebuild.
Once he clears waivers, Beal plans to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Clippers that includes a player option for the second season. The Clippers, who won 50 games in 2025 but have struggled in the playoffs, view Beal as a natural fit alongside stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. The Clippers have also added veteran center Brook Lopez via free agency and forward John Collins in a separate trade, signalling an aggressive push to contend in the Western Conference.
The buyout marks the end of a failed superteam experiment for the Suns. Despite avoiding the long-term financial burden of Beal’s massive contract, the move comes at a significant cost, with the Suns sacrificing $13.9 million and gaining no return in assets. The move underscores the risks of assembling star-laden rosters without proven chemistry and health.
For Beal, this move offers a fresh start with a contender and a chance to rebuild his value before potentially re-entering free agency in 2026. The buyout process gave him more control over his destination, a rarity for players with large, guaranteed contracts.
This saga highlights the increasing complexity of managing superstar contracts and team-building under the league’s new financial rules. Buyouts of this magnitude are rare and illustrate how teams and players can mutually benefit from parting ways, even at significant cost.
References: [1] ESPN. (2025, July 1). Bradley Beal agrees to two-year, $11M deal with Clippers. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34638282/bradley-beal-agrees-two-year-11m-deal-clippers [2] Yahoo Sports. (2023, June 28). Bradley Beal traded to Phoenix Suns in four-team deal, sources say. [online] Available at: https://sports.yahoo.com/bradley-beal-traded-phoenix-suns-four-team-deal-sources-say-223948641.html [3] The Ringer. (2025, July 1). Bradley Beal Agrees to Buyout with Phoenix Suns. [online] Available at: https://www.theringer.com/nba/2025/7/1/23742362/bradley-beal-phoenix-suns-buyout-clippers [4] CBS Sports. (2025, July 1). Bradley Beal agrees to buyout with Suns, to sign with Clippers, per reports. [online] Available at: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/bradley-beal-agrees-to-buyout-with-suns-to-sign-with-clippers-per-reports/
Bradley Beal's move from the Phoenix Suns to the Los Angeles Clippers, though not a direct trade, is a significant shift in the NBA landscape. Having agreed to a buyout with the Suns, Beal plans to sign a two-year contract with the Clippers, aiming to rebuild his value as a key player on a contending team known for its star duo of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
