In a significant offseason development, three-time NBA All-Star Bradley Beal has officially joined the Los Angeles Clippers, agreeing to a two-year, $11 million contract that includes a player option for the second year. This move comes after Beal finalized a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns, ending his two-season tenure with the Arizona franchise.
The Road to the Buyout: A Stint in Phoenix
Beal’s time with the Phoenix Suns, following his trade from the Washington Wizards in June 2023, proved to be less impactful than initially hoped. He was part of a “Big 3” experiment alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but the team struggled with injuries and failed to meet championship aspirations, missing the postseason in 2025.
Beal’s original five-year, $251 million contract, signed in 2022, included a formidable no-trade clause, which made it exceptionally difficult for the Suns to move him via trade, despite their desire to gain salary flexibility. Facing two years and approximately $110.8 million remaining on his deal, Beal and the Suns ultimately agreed to a buyout. As part of this agreement, Beal reportedly forfeited around $13.9 million of his owed salary, allowing the Suns to utilize the “waive-and-stretch” provision to spread the remaining cap hit over five years.
A New Chapter: Joining the Clippers
Upon reaching the buyout agreement on July 16, 2025, Bradley Beal was free to choose his next destination, prioritizing the “best basketball situation.” The Los Angeles Clippers quickly emerged as the leading suitor, having been linked to Beal for weeks. The Clippers, looking to bolster their scoring options and add another veteran presence to their roster, had recently cleared cap space by trading Norman Powell to the Miami Heat.
Beal’s new contract with the Clippers, a two-year, $11 million deal with a player option for the 2026-27 season, provides him with immediate stability while also offering the flexibility to re-enter free agency next summer if he chooses. This relatively team-friendly deal allows the Clippers to integrate a proven scorer without significantly impacting their long-term cap sheet.
Impact on the Clippers and Suns
For the Los Angeles Clippers, the acquisition of Bradley Beal adds another potent offensive weapon to a roster that already features stars like Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. Beal is expected to join a starting lineup that could also include John Collins and Ivica Zubac. His ability to create his own shot and space the floor is anticipated to be a valuable asset for a team aiming to contend in the competitive Western Conference. While the Clippers are an aging team with past injury concerns, the addition of Beal on an economical contract is seen as a low-risk, high-reward move.
