Bradley Beal’s time with the Phoenix Suns appears to be nearing a conclusion, and the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly on his radar if he hits free agency.
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the Suns and Beal are optimistic about finalizing a buyout that would make the veteran guard an unrestricted free agent. League sources told Katz that the Lakers are one of four teams Beal has thought about joining, along with the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks.
The Suns’ plan is to negotiate a buyout, waive Beal, and stretch the remaining $96.9 million of his contract over five years to reduce the team’s annual cap hit. This approach would allow Phoenix to avoid the second apron and luxury tax while freeing up a frozen first-round pick for future trades.
Beal, 31, averaged 17.0 points per game on 49.7% shooting last season, but his fit alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker never materialized as the Suns hoped. Injuries and limited chemistry left Phoenix searching for a more sustainable roster around Booker and newly acquired Jalen Green.
Veteran Suns reporter John Gambadoro tweeted Sunday that a resolution on Beal’s situation could come within 24–48 hours, signaling that the franchise intends to move quickly. He described the move as a necessary step to reset the team’s flexibility and avoid long-term tax penalties.
Beal’s no-trade clause and $57.1 million player option for the 2026–27 season have made it nearly impossible for Phoenix to find a trade partner. League executives reportedly view his market value as closer to the mid-level exception than his current deal, which makes a buyout and stretch the most realistic path forward.
The Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Bucks are all monitoring the situation and could pursue Beal if he clears waivers. Miami has also been mentioned as a potential suitor, though Katz’s report highlighted only the four Western Conference contenders and Milwaukee as teams Beal himself has considered.
Beal joined Phoenix in June 2023 via trade from the Washington Wizards in a deal that sent Chris Paul and draft picks to D.C. Since then, injuries and roster imbalances have hindered his impact, making a split increasingly likely.
If the Suns finalize the buyout this week, Beal could enter free agency at a critical point in the offseason, giving contenders an opportunity to add scoring depth without sacrificing assets.
