Here’s an in-depth look at Bradley Beal’s $308 million-plus contract saga and the ongoing negotiations around a potential buyout:
The Original Deal & Its Fallout
Five years, $251 million: Beal’s mammoth contract was signed with Washington in 2022, including a rare full no-trade clause—his camp made sure he got the final say on any potential move.
Phoenix legacy deal: In 2023, the Suns acquired Beal in hopes of forming a title trio with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. But things never clicked. He averaged just ~17.6 PPG across two injury-marred seasons, playing only ~53 games each year.
Now 32, with $110 million across the next two seasons and a player option in 2026–27, the contract is widely deemed an “albatross”—unflexible, financially punishing, and constraining Phoenix’s cap space.
The Buyout Strategy
Phoenix has been actively exploring a buyout that would see Beal surrender roughly $14 million — reducing the remaining debt from $110M to around $97M, which they can then stretch over five years to ease cap pressure.
Why stretch?
Under the current CBA, a team can’t stretch a buyer’s salary more than 15% of the cap (~$23.2M for 2025–26). But Phoenix already has ~$3.8M in dead money, further limiting them. Without Beal giving up money, they’d breach that threshold.
Beal is reportedly cooperative:
Multiple sources claim Beal is “open to cooperating” on the buyout. He wants flexibility—potentially landing a shorter, lucrative deal elsewhere.
Market value logic:
Analysts estimate his true market value around the mid-level exception (~$14M per year), well below his current salary. Yet, by giving up some guaranteed cash, he could re-sign and potentially recoup or exceed what he forfeits, especially with a multi-year deal.
What’s Next?
Formal announcement pending: Reports from Phoenix insiders and ClutchPoints suggest official announcement is likely soon (possibly July 7–8), after structuring the buyout deal.
Free-agent frenzy: Once cleared, Beal becomes an unrestricted free agent. Teams like the Clippers (favored via DraftKings odds), Bucks, Lakers, Heat, Warriors, and even the Bucks via room exception are eyeing him .
🏀 Final Takeaway
This isn’t just a contract discussion—it’s the unraveling of a high-stakes, misjudged supermax move. Beal’s impending buyout marks a pivotal financial pivot for Phoenix, giving them much-needed breathing room. For Beal, it’s a bid to regain agency, find clarity in role and fit, and perhaps chase one final prime-ticket deal outside the shadow of this costly contract.
Stay tuned—quotes are expected imminently that will clarify the exact financials and shape the next chapter of free-agency intrigue.
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