The Phoenix Suns are reportedly nearing a decision regarding Bradley Beal’s future with the franchise. Complications surrounding his massive contract suggest his time in Phoenix could be running out, and he may be the next big name on the move.
Beal’s current deal has become a burden under the NBA’s new financial rules. Lakers fans across the league are already speculating about his next landing spot, and salary cap expert Eric Pincus has laid out exactly how Los Angeles could pull it off despite their financial limitations.
How Could the Lakers Afford Bradley Beal After a Potential Buyout?
Phoenix built a superstar trio with Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker in hopes of chasing a championship. Things didn’t go as planned. The Suns finished the 2024-25 season with a 36-46 record and missed the playoffs entirely. Head coach Jordan Ott is now attempting to rebuild a roster that’s been falling apart piece by piece.
Phoenix already made a major move by trading Durant to the Houston Rockets, and reports suggest Beal could be next to leave. Beal is still under a massive five-year, $251 million contract he signed in 2022. Although just $110.8 million remains on that deal, his no-trade clause gives him complete control over where he ends up.
Suns insider Gerald Bourguet reports that Beal is preparing to accept a buyout agreement. According to the report, Beal would give up $13.9 million to become a free agent and explore options with other teams.
The three-time All-Star spent his first 11 NBA seasons with Washington before being acquired by Phoenix.
While nothing is official yet, speculation is already growing about Beal’s next destination. Many fans believe a move to the Lakers is becoming more likely by the day. Social media buzz reveals how hungry teams and fans are for veteran talent, especially one who averaged 21.5 points per game over his career.
Pincus weighed in on the situation, tweeting, “I don’t know the future for Bradley Beal, but the Lakers could give him a two-year minimum contract (player option on 2nd year, which is semi-standard for a name vet taking a ‘below market deal’), after waiving Shake, land just below the 1st apron.”
I don’t know the future for Bradley Beal, but the Lakers could give him a two-year minimum contract (player option on 2nd year, which is semi-standard for a name vet taking a “below market deal”), after waiving Shake, land just below the 1st apron
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 7, 2025
That possibility gained more traction after Marc Stein reported Beal is “actively exploring his options with other teams in anticipation of a Suns buyout.”
With multiple credible insiders confirming a possible buyout, an official announcement could be coming soon. This would allow Beal to start fresh elsewhere while Phoenix gains roster flexibility.
What Would Bradley Beal Bring to the Lakers’ Championship Push?
The Lakers’ interest makes sense from a basketball perspective. Los Angeles needs reliable scoring depth. Beal has averaged double figures in scoring for all 13 of his NBA seasons, including seven seasons with at least 20 points per game.
However, questions remain about whether the Lakers will make a formal offer. Beal’s scoring average dropped from 18.2 points per game in the 2023-24 season to 17.0 in the 2024-25 campaign.
He shot 49.7% from the field and 38.6% from three-point range during the 2024-25 season. The 32-year-old guard also appeared in just 53 games during the 2024-25 campaign due to various injuries.
The Lakers finished the 2024-25 season with a 50-32 record and lost in the first round of the playoffs. Adding a veteran scorer like Beal could help them compete with the top teams in the Western Conference. His career 37.6% shooting from 3-point range would also address Los Angeles’ need for perimeter shooting.
Multiple teams are expected to show interest in Beal once he becomes available. The Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks have already been mentioned as potential suitors. The Lakers’ ability to offer a two-year deal with a player option could be attractive to a veteran looking for both security and flexibility in what might be the final years of his career.
Beal also has connections to the Lakers organization through assistant coach Scott Brooks, who coached him for five seasons in Washington from 2016 -2021. Brooks has been an advocate for players he’s worked with before, which could help Los Angeles in their pursuit.
