Bradley Beal’s $251 million contract might be heading for a dramatic ending. With Phoenix exploring a buyout and Golden State circling like sharks, the three-time All-Star could soon find himself in a Warriors uniform alongside Stephen Curry.
A new report suggests the Golden State Warriors are keeping a close eye on the situation. Add in whispers about veteran big man Al Horford, and the Warriors could be quietly assembling a fresh wave of championship-caliber talent.
Why Are the Suns Ready to Cut Ties With Beal?
Beal remains locked into a massive five-year, $251 million contract he signed before the 2022-23 season. However, with the Suns’ experiment of pairing him with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker falling flat, the team is believed to be exploring a buyout. The catch? Beal would need to give back at least $13.8 million for the Suns to stretch his deal.
Beyond the financial hurdles, Beal’s unique no-trade clause means the Suns can’t move him without his consent. But if he’s bought out, he becomes an unrestricted free agent, free to join any team. That’s where the Warriors enter the picture.
According to a new report by RG, the Golden State Warriors are “monitoring” the situation of three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, who may unexpectedly hit the free-agent market. While no final decision has been made, the report suggests Beal could be bought out of the $110 million remaining on his contract with the Suns.
“Meanwhile, according to RG sources, the Warriors are also monitoring Beal’s situation and remain linked to veteran big man Al Horford,” the report reads.
“With the Boston Celtics entering a retooling phase following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, Golden State is considered a strong candidate to land Horford…”
Beal, 32, arrived in Phoenix in the 2023 offseason via a trade with the Washington Wizards but couldn’t deliver to his potential.
His scoring dipped to 17.0 points per game in the 2024-25 season, his lowest since his rookie campaign.
The financial mechanics work in Phoenix’s favor if they pull the trigger. Reports suggest a buyout is being explored, and Phoenix can use the NBA’s stretch provision, which would spread the financial burden over five years. If Beal is released, he becomes an unrestricted free agent, and the Warriors can swoop in to bring him to Golden State.
What Makes Golden State So Appealing to Beal?
As the Warriors continue to monitor Beal’s situation, another report has added fuel to the speculation linking him to the Bay Area. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, Golden State is one of the teams Beal is seriously considering if a buyout with the Suns takes place.
“According to a league source, the list of teams Beal has thought about includes the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks,” Katz reported.
Bradley Beal with the RAINBOW bank shot 🏹
How did he get this to fall??? 🤯🤯
Suns/Lakers underway on ABC! pic.twitter.com/CP5uosMrgE
— NBA (@NBA) March 16, 2025
On paper, Beal could be a perfect scoring complement alongside Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Known for his smooth shooting and off-ball movement, Beal’s skill set could thrive in Steve Kerr’s system, which emphasizes ball movement, spacing, cutting, and player movement.
However, Beal’s defense remains a concern. He has often been criticized as a below-average defender. With Butler and Green in the lineup, though, the Warriors would have enough perimeter defense to offset Beal’s weaknesses.
This past season, Beal averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on 49.7% shooting. Those numbers sit below his peak, but still represent solid production. If Golden State also lands Horford, the projected lineup of Curry, Beal, Butler, Green, and Horford would be one of the league’s most seasoned and dangerous.
