The Suns are reportedly looking to buy out Bradley Beal’s massive contract, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.
If Phoenix goes through with the buyout, Beal would become a free agent despite having two years and roughly $110 million left on his deal. The 32-year-old guard is currently playing on a five-year, $251 million contract he signed with Washington back in 2022.
A buyout would effectively void his current contract – including his no-trade clause.
That no-trade protection has complicated matters for the Suns, as Beal would need to personally approve any potential trade. He did waive this clause once before when Washington shipped him to Phoenix in June 2023.
The Suns are in a tough financial spot. They currently have just $3.8 million in cap space, with a maximum cap hit of $23.2 million. One option would be to reduce Beal’s salary and stretch it over five years to lessen the annual impact.
Phoenix desperately needs financial flexibility. They’re more than $10 million over the second tax apron, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Beal’s time in Phoenix has been disappointing to say the least.
He’s averaged only 17.6 points per game during his two seasons with the team – well below his career numbers. Even worse, he’s missed 58 games due to injuries, appearing in just 106 of a possible 164 contests.
Staying healthy has been a real challenge for Beal. He hasn’t played at least 60 games since the shortened 2020-21 season during the COVID pandemic.
That season actually showcased what Beal can do when healthy. He averaged a career-best 31.3 points, made the All-Star team, and earned All-NBA Third Team honors.
Suns Already Making Major Moves
Phoenix has already started reshaping their roster this offseason. They traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets on June 22, receiving Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and five second-round picks in return.
That move helped the Suns land former Duke center Khaman Maluach with the 10th overall pick in the draft.
Last season was a disaster for Phoenix. Despite starting the year with the highest payroll in NBA history, they finished 10 games under .500 and missed the playoffs for the first time in five years.
The disappointing season triggered major changes. The Suns hired Brian Gregory as general manager and brought in Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott as their new head coach.
Teams can officially begin signing players to contracts starting July 6.
