Players on a max contract rarely get a buyout. In recent memory, two players earning more than $40 million for the season have been bought out. Those are Russell Westbrook and Ben Simmons. But neither of them was making $50 million or more. According to recent reports, Bradley Beal is on his way out of Phoenix, either via trade, or a buyout.
Bradley Beal Can Top Westbrook and Simmons With New Move
The Suns’ disappointing season is over (minus one meaningless regular season game), and the team is already making plans for next season. This season, Phoenix is the only team in the league that is neither in the playoffs, play-in, or the lottery. What was viewed as a championship-contending roster quickly fell out of the playoff picture.
The Suns tried to trade Beal at the deadline, but they couldn’t find a deal that would materialize. Now, it seems like he will be the scapegoat for the failed season. According to the latest reports, there is next to no chance that Beal will be back in Phoenix next season. At the same time, reports are that if the Suns do not find a trade partner, they will buy him out.
A Historic Bradley Beal Buyout on the Horizon
When Westbrook was traded from the Lakers to the Utah Jazz, he secured a buyout because he wanted to join another team. At the time, Westbrook was making $47 million that season. After the Jazz bought him out, he joined the second team in Los Angeles, the Clippers.
Ben Simmons secured a buyout from the Nets after the team couldn’t find a deal at the trade deadline. He was in the last year of his contract, earning $40 million.
Beal is making $50 million this season. Next season, his contract will earn him $53.6 million, but he also has a player option for 2026-27 at $57 million. If Phoenix buys him out, it will be the largest buyout in league history.
Teams Interested in Bradley Beal
According to reports, four teams are mentioned as interested in signing Beal if he secures a buyout. Those are the Heat, Spurs, Nuggets, and Warriors.
Heat, Nuggets, Spurs, and Warriors are among the teams that could pursue Bradley Beal if the Suns buy out his max contract.
(via @Gambo987) pic.twitter.com/SnQus1IpHd
— Digits Sports App (@Digits3App) April 12, 2025
Out of these four teams, it is unlikely that one of them will make a trade for the three-time All-Star. Why would they spend assets trading for a player they can get via buyout? The only reason to jump in a trade bidding is if they sense that a team might trade for Beal.
Will Somebody Give Beal a Chance?
Bradley Beal is 31 years old (turns 32 on June 28), and in 2022-23, he scored 23 points per game. There is no denying that he is a good scorer who can still put up numbers. Last year, despite all the troubles surrounding the team, he shot 43% from behind the arc. That number fell to 38.6% this season. He is among the top 60 players in shooting percentage from behind the arc. He is in front of players like Derrick White, Damian Lillard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyler Herro, Donovan Mitchell, Luka Doncic, and more.
There might be teams interested in Beal. But the problem is he has a no-trade clause, which makes things challenging.
Photo credit: © Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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