Bradley Beal Set to Join Clippers After Buyout With Suns

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by Raymund Tamayo

Bradley Beal. Photo: Getty Images.

Bradley Beal is headed west once again—this time to Los Angeles—where he’s expected to team up with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden to form the Clippers’ latest version of a “Big Three.”

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Beal has finalized a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns and is preparing to ink a two-year, $11 million deal with the Clippers. The move marks a major shake-up in the Western Conference and a new chapter for the three-time All-Star.

Beal’s stint in Phoenix, which began in 2023 with high hopes alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, never quite lived up to the hype. Injuries and chemistry issues limited his impact, and he wrapped up two seasons in the Valley averaging just 17.6 points per game, well below his usual production.

Now 32, Beal joins a veteran-heavy Clippers squad aiming to make a serious title run. A career 21.5-point-per-game scorer, Beal also brings valuable playmaking and experience. His arrival fills a void left by Norman Powell, who was recently traded to the Miami Heat. Beal shot a personal best 40.7% from three last season—an asset the Clippers will look to maximize in their offensive system.

Photo: AP.

Charania noted that Beal prioritized finding the right basketball fit after Phoenix, and Los Angeles may be the fresh start he needs. The Clippers have kept their core intact, re-signing James Harden and retaining Kawhi Leonard. They've also added Brook Lopez and John Collins, and still feature reliable pieces like Ivica Zubac, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kris Dunn, and Derrick Jones Jr.

The average age of the team has crept up, with several key players in their 30s, but the mix of veteran savvy and star power could give LA the edge in a tightly contested Western Conference. Last season, the Clippers finished with a 50-32 record before bowing out in a tough seven-game first-round series against Denver.

As for Phoenix, Beal’s exit provides financial relief and roster flexibility. The Suns have pivoted toward a rebuild centered around Devin Booker. They recently traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, receiving draft assets and veterans in return to reshape their future.

For both teams, the deal signals a significant shift—one toward a potential championship run for LA, and another toward a fresh rebuild for Phoenix.