Suns Mull Buyout of Bradley Beal
Guard exploring options amid salary cap challenges
The Bradley Beal experiment in Phoenix could be nearing its end. Recent reports suggest the Phoenix Suns may buy out the former All-Star guard, potentially reshaping their roster and financial outlook.
Possible Timeline
According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, a resolution to Beal’s situation could arrive in the next 24-48 hours.
Beal Seeks New Team
Beal is already preparing for a potential departure. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Beal has been actively exploring
potential teams, anticipating considerable interest from around the league if he becomes available.
The Suns and Bradley Beal are indeed expected to reach a buyout agreement that enables Beal to become a free agent, league sources say
More on the Beal front and other NBA offseason topics in my latest This Week In Basketball column right here:
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 29, 2025
Contract Complications
Beal’s current contract includes a $53.7 million salary for the 2025-26 season, the highest on the Suns. He also holds a $57.1 million player option for the following season.
The Stretch Provision Hurdle
Stretching Beal’s remaining contract over five years via waivers is complicated. NBA rules prevent teams from exceeding 15% of the salary cap with stretched money, according to a recent collective bargaining agreement (CBA) update (NBA.com).
While Beal’s $22.1 million would account for 14.3% of the projected $154.647 million cap for 2025-26, the Suns already have stretched salaries for Nassir Little ($3.1 million) and E.J. Liddell ($706,898) on their books, pushing them over the limit.
Financial Sacrifice Needed
To facilitate a buyout using the waive-and-stretch provision, Beal would need to give up approximately $2.7 million annually, totaling $13.8 million, as reported by The Athletic’s Fred Katz.
Such concessions aren’t unheard of. Deandre Ayton, formerly with the Suns, sacrificed $10 million to secure a buyout from the Portland Trail Blazers, according to Jake Fischer, ultimately joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
Salary Cap Implications
Waiving and stretching Beal would free Phoenix from the constraints of the second apron, providing greater flexibility in roster construction.
