Bradley Beal is on the brink of becoming a free agent, with multiple reports indicating that the Phoenix Suns are nearing a waive-and-stretch buyout agreement with the star player. Beal currently has two years remaining on his contract, totaling approximately $110.8 million. Notable sports analysts, including Zach Lowe from The Ringer and Fred Katz from The Athletic, have confirmed that discussions around this deal are advancing rapidly.
The negotiations surrounding Beal's contract are complex, as he will need to forfeit around $13.8 million to facilitate the Suns' ability to waive and stretch him. This requirement arises from a lesser-known provision in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Reports suggest that Beal is amenable to this financial adjustment in order to secure a spot on a playoff-contending team in a city of his choice, which appears to be the Los Angeles Clippers.
In preparation for Beal's potential acquisition, the Los Angeles Clippers recently traded away Norman Powell, a sharpshooting, ball-handling wing essential for their roster alongside James Harden. This move is seen as a precursor to Beal's signing, according to sources from NBC Sports. If Beal joins the Clippers, he could replace Kris Dunn in the starting backcourt. However, a more suitable scenario could see him coming off the bench, enhancing a second unit that might feature players like John Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Brook Lopez, unless Collins is positioned as a starter with Derrick Jones Jr. as a backup.
The Clippers have the capacity to offer Beal either the remainder of their mid-level exception, estimated at around $5.3 million, or the room exception, valued at $5.1 million. While Beal has also considered other teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks, reports indicate that these options may not be as viable. Despite a previous interest between Beal and the Miami Heat, this partnership does not seem likely at this juncture.
Should Beal finalize a deal with the Clippers, it will mark the second instance this NBA season of a nine-figure waive-and-stretch, following the $115 million waived by the Bucks to part ways with Damian Lillard and subsequently sign Myles Turner. This situation highlights the evolving landscape of NBA contracts and player movement as teams strategize to build competitive rosters.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Beal and the Clippers to see if they can finalize a deal that positions Beal for a strong playoff run while allowing the Clippers to enhance their roster significantly.
