Bradley Beal and the Phoenix Suns are actively working toward a contract buyout, according to league sources who spoke with ClutchPoints. Among the teams closely monitoring the situation, the Miami Heat are currently seen as the frontrunners.
This development comes just after the Suns traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in a massive seven-team deal that became official Sunday. Now, the franchise appears to be entering a new phase, with three-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal next in line for a major move.
Negotiations between Beal and the Suns over a buyout gained momentum on Sunday, as both sides started working through the framework of a potential deal. Talks reportedly carried on into the evening, at which point, sources noted, “while Beal would like to remain in Phoenix, the team no longer wants him on the roster.”
An official announcement on the matter is expected by Monday, but certain financial aspects of the buyout still need ironing out—especially the specific amount Beal would relinquish.
Reports indicate that Beal is likely to forgo around $14 million, which would allow Phoenix to stretch the remainder of his contract over five seasons while staying under the league’s 15 percent dead cap threshold. With the Suns already carrying about $3.8 million in dead money from waiving Nassir Little and EJ Liddell, Beal’s stretched amount must stay under $19.4 million. By giving up $14 million of his remaining $110.8 million deal, his contract would be reduced to $96.8 million—spreadable to around $19.3 million annually.
“If the number does come out to about $14 million that he gives back, Phoenix would be able to move below the first and second aprons, and Beal would become an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to choose his next home and still qualify to make up that $14 million he gave up with a new franchise’s mid-level exception,” sources told ClutchPoints.
Beal, 32, joined the Suns in 2023 in a blockbuster trade that saw Phoenix send Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, multiple draft picks, and swaps to Washington. Since then, Beal has averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 50.5% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc. In his two seasons, he appeared in 106 out of 164 games, with Phoenix going 85-79 during that span and missing the playoffs in the 2024-25 season.
What’s Next for Beal—and Who’s Interested?
The Suns’ motivation behind parting with Beal stems from a desire to gain financial flexibility. Owner Mat Ishbia and newly appointed GM Brian Gregory have been actively reshaping the roster in an effort to steer clear of luxury tax penalties for the upcoming season, following the Durant trade.
Though stretching Beal’s remaining salary over five years may not be ideal, it would immediately open up cap space and enable the Suns to better manage their payroll and future draft assets. More importantly, it signals the end of a high-profile but ultimately unsuccessful “big three” era in Phoenix.
If buyout talks proceed smoothly and reach completion, Beal will become an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team once he clears waivers.
“Beal has been actively exploring what his options are,” reported Marc Stein, with several teams already preparing for the possibility of him hitting the open market.
The Miami Heat have shown long-standing interest in Beal, even before his move to Phoenix, and they are expected to be “at the front of the line to sign him,” sources said. Though Miami failed in its attempts to acquire Durant and recently lost Duncan Robinson in a sign-and-trade with Detroit, the team still holds its $14.1 million mid-level exception. According to NBA cap expert Yossi Gozlan, this makes Miami the top bidder financially.
If Miami uses the exception on Beal, he could immediately recoup the $14 million he’s expected to give up to the Suns.
Other contenders expected to pursue Beal include the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Bucks. While the Pistons and Nuggets have also been linked to Beal, ClutchPoints couldn’t verify the level of interest from either franchise.
Once the buyout becomes official, Beal is projected to become the most prominent free agent available right as the NBA Summer League tips off in Las Vegas. Expect a quick decision on his next destination.
