Bradley Beal has finalized a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Suns and is now set to join the Los Angeles Clippers on a two-year deal worth $11 million. The contract includes a player option for the 2026-27 NBA season, positioning Beal for potential free agency next summer, following a difficult season in Phoenix.
Beal’s Role in the Clippers’ Lineup and Previous Struggles in Phoenix
With this move, Beal is expected to become a key starter for the Clippers, joining forces with established stars James Harden and Kawhi Leonard. This change comes after Beal’s time with the Suns, who acquired him before the 2023-24 season amid high expectations. Nevertheless, the team stumbled, failing to advance beyond the first round of last season’s playoffs, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Declining Performance and Challenges in Recent Seasons
The Suns experienced a further decline this past season, missing the playoffs entirely and finishing with a 36-46 record. Beal struggled with consistency, being benched in January, and ended the season averaging just 17 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds over 53 games. This scoring average was the lowest for Beal since his third professional year in 2014-15, when he averaged 15.3 points per game for the Washington Wizards.
Career Overview and Statistical Highlights
Drafted third overall by the Washington Wizards in 2012, Beal spent eleven seasons developing his game with the franchise. His peak scoring came during the 2019-20 season, when he averaged 30.5 points per game, ranking second only to James Harden’s league-leading 34.3 points per game that year. Over his career, Beal has maintained averages of 21.5 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, while shooting 37.6% from three-point range.
The Significance of Beal’s Move to Los Angeles
Beal’s journey from Washington to Phoenix and now to Los Angeles signifies a major adjustment in his professional path as he seeks to reignite his career alongside the Clippers’ established core. This transition could provide Beal with fresh opportunities to contribute significantly in a new environment and potentially reshape the Clippers’ fate in upcoming NBA seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Bradley Beal be waived?
A. Liddell is listed on the Suns’ records. Waiving Beal with his entire contract isn’t possible because it would exceed the 15% cap limit. To legally extend payments, Beal must forfeit about $13.9 million from his total contract.
Q. Only two players in the NBA have a no-trade clause. Do you know which players? That’s right! It’s LeBron James and Bradley Beal.
A. In the NBA, very few players have a no-trade clause. This clause allows a player to veto any trade they don’t agree with. Typically, only top-tier players with enough years in the league and loyalty to their team can negotiate for this clause in their contracts.