PHOENIX – When the Phoenix Suns traded Kevin Durant this summer, the next domino was obvious — they needed to resolve the Bradley Beal situation. The team has spent months trying to move him but found no success. Conversations shifted from trade options to a buyout, yet a resolution on Bradley Beal’s future remains delayed.
Reason For Delay In Bradley Beal’s Buyout With Suns Revealed
Stale Relationship, Big Contract
Beal’s buyout delay has its roots in the failed experiment last season. Phoenix’s relationship with Beal soured fast. The Suns have wanted him gone since early 2025. But Beal’s no-trade clause tied their hands. A lukewarm trade market didn’t help either.
So the Suns pivoted. Buy him out. Clear space. Reset the roster.
As Siegel noted, “Talks between Beal and the Suns intensified on Sunday, as the two parties began to formulate the structure of a buyout agreement.” Once Milwaukee waived Damian Lillard, the Suns knew they could mimic that move to create breathing room under the league’s aprons.
What’s The Holdup?
So why is Beal’s buyout dragging? It’s simple. Beal has leverage. He’s not rushing it. The Clippers have been the frontrunners all along. With Norman Powell gone, LA has close to $9 million before brushing up against the first apron. Perfect landing spot, right?
But Beal knows other teams are circling. The Lakers, Bucks, and Warriors have all poked around. The Warriors would jump at Beal if he’d take the vet minimum — but that’s unlikely.
Siegel wrote, “Beal is simply taking his time. There are several teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers, who have shown interest in Beal.”
Beal’s camp is playing the clock. He wants the right fit and the best deal. The delay in a buyout agreement works in Beal’s favor if it shakes an extra million loose.
The Financials: Not So Simple
Beal must give back $13.8 million in the buyout. That’s the league’s minimum for dead cap hits to stay in line. The Suns will stretch that leftover salary over five seasons to open cap flexibility now.
Siegel confirmed, “Beal is expected to give back $13.8 million in his buyout with Phoenix, the minimum Mat Ishbia and the Suns need to remain in line with the league’s 15 percent rule about dead cap hits.”
After a buyout is agreed, he’ll likely sign a “1+1” contract. That means he controls his next payday in 2026. Smart move for a player who gave up guaranteed money to escape Phoenix.
The Clippers Still Wait
Once Bradley Beal’s buyout delay finally ends in a few days, expect him in a Clippers jersey. They still have $5.35 million left of the mid-level exception. That money goes straight to Beal. They stay below the first apron by about $3.5 million — enough to add depth like Chris Paul on a minimum.
Sure, the Warriors might make one last push. But don’t bet on Beal taking a vet minimum just to chase another ring. Arguably, the place where he has the best chance to win also offers him the biggest payday.
The Endgame
So the reason for a delay in a buyout agreement between Bradley Beal and the team is leverage. Beal wants the best possible landing spot and fair money. The Suns want cap relief. The Clippers want another weapon.
One way or another, the delay won’t last forever. When the ink dries, expect Beal to get exactly what he wants — a shot at another run on a contender’s dime.
© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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