Bradley Beal Agrees to Contract Buyout With Suns, Joins Clippers on Two-Year Deal

By Edcel Panganiban July 17, 2025 09:12

Bradley Beal’s tenure with the Phoenix Suns officially came to an end on July 16, 2025, after the three-time All-Star guard agreed to a contract buyout with the franchise. This move cleared the way for Beal to sign a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers a fresh start following two injury-plagued and underwhelming seasons in Phoenix.

The buyout included Beal giving back approximately $13.8 million of the $110.8 million he was owed on the final two years of his contract with the Suns. This financial concession allowed Phoenix to gain significant salary cap flexibility as they continue their ongoing rebuilding process. According to sources, the Suns may opt to stretch the remaining $97 million over five seasons, resulting in a dead cap hit of roughly $19.4 million per season through 2029-30. This strategic move enables the Suns to better navigate the NBA’s luxury tax thresholds and improve roster management in the coming years.

Beal, 32, was a pivotal acquisition for Phoenix in 2023, joining a star-studded lineup alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. However, despite high expectations, the superteam struggled to coalesce. Beal’s production declined compared to his career peak; his scoring averaged 17.6 points per game over his two seasons with the Suns well below his career-high of 31.3 points per game in the 2020-21 season with Washington. Injuries further limited his impact, as he missed at least 29 regular-season games each season over the past four years.

The trade of Durant to the Houston Rockets and the Suns’ failure to make a playoff appearance in 2025 signaled a shift in direction. With Beal’s contract buyout, the Suns are fully embracing a rebuild, aiming to cultivate a younger, tougher roster, as owner Mat Ishbia recently emphasized.

For Beal, the buyout represents a fresh opportunity with the Clippers, a team featuring veterans James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. The two-year, $11 million deal includes a player option for the 2026-27 season, giving Beal some control over his future. According to sources, Harden played an instrumental role in recruiting Beal to Los Angeles, highlighting the existing chemistry and familiarity between the players.

Beal’s relationship with Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue and trainer Jesse Phillips both Missouri natives who previously worked with Beal in Washington also made the Clippers an appealing destination. His agent, Mark Bartelstein, remarked to The Athletic, “Bradley values the basketball fit the Clippers offer. Tyronn has a clear plan to maximize Bradley’s strengths, and with Norman Powell traded, he’s expected to step into a significant role.”

Despite the challenges in Phoenix, Beal remains a highly respected figure around the league. His career totals of over 4,600 points, his status as one of the NBA’s gifted scorers, and his defensive versatility provide reasons for optimism.

Reflecting on the buyout, Beal said, “This chapter with the Suns was about growth and perseverance. I’m excited to join the Clippers organization and contribute to their success.”

As the Suns pivot to a new era, Beal’s chapter in Phoenix closes, but his NBA story continues in Los Angeles, where health and role clarity will be key to revitalizing the All-Star’s career and helping the Clippers contend in a competitive Western Conference.