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4 NBA Teams Eye Bradley Beal After Potential Buyout – Here’s What Each Could Offer Him…read more…
In what could be one of the most impactful moves of the NBA offseason, league sources confirm that All-Star guard Bradley Beal is exploring a potential buyout from the Phoenix Suns. The 34-year-old guard, who was traded to Phoenix in the summer of 2023, has struggled to find consistent rhythm alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. With the Suns prioritizing roster flexibility and a younger core, a mutual separation now seems imminent.
Beal, who is still under contract for over $100 million through the 2026-27 season, would likely need to sacrifice a significant portion of his guaranteed money to facilitate the buyout. However, the opportunity to compete for a championship — or simply a more defined role — appears to outweigh the financial downside for the 3-time All-Star.
If Beal hits the open market, interest is expected to be strong. Despite recent injury setbacks and declining usage in Phoenix, he remains a highly skilled scorer and playmaker with postseason experience. Multiple sources indicate that four teams have already positioned themselves to make a run at Beal: the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers.
Here’s a breakdown of each team’s situation and what they could offer:
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1. Miami Heat
Projected Offer: $7.9 million (Mid-Level Exception)
Miami has long been linked to Beal, dating back to his Washington Wizards days. Pat Riley and the Heat front office have made no secret of their desire to add another scorer to support Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. After striking out in their pursuit of Damian Lillard and Donovan Mitchell over the past two years, Beal could be a compelling fallback.
Miami has the full Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (MLE) available at $7.9 million. While not a massive payday, the Heat’s pitch centers on culture, a clear role, and a legitimate shot at a deep playoff run in the Eastern Conference. With Tyler Herro’s future uncertain and the team needing more offensive punch, Beal could immediately slot in as the third option.
Why It Makes Sense: The Heat desperately need a halfcourt scorer who can create his own shot — especially in the playoffs. Beal fits that mold perfectly.
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2. Los Angeles Lakers
Projected Offer: $5.2 million (Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception)
The Lakers have just enough cap flexibility to offer the taxpayer MLE and remain within second-apron limitations. With LeBron James re-signing on a two-year deal and Anthony Davis still anchoring the frontcourt, LA is in clear win-now mode. Beal would give the Lakers a much-needed perimeter scorer who could help shoulder the offensive load and potentially take some pressure off LeBron.
A trio of James, Davis, and Beal would be veteran-heavy, but potent. The Lakers are also banking on continuity with younger players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, and they view Beal as a luxury addition who can tilt a playoff series.
Why It Makes Sense: Los Angeles is a star-driven franchise, and Beal’s profile aligns with their brand and timeline. The draw of Hollywood and a championship window is real.
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3. Milwaukee Bucks
Projected Offer: Veteran Minimum ($3.3 million)
Milwaukee has limited financial flexibility and no major exceptions left, meaning they can only offer Beal the veteran minimum. However, the Bucks hope the allure of playing with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and new head coach Dave Joerger — who reportedly values Beal’s IQ and shot creation — might entice him.
With Khris Middleton’s health still a concern and Damian Lillard turning 35 next season, the Bucks are in desperate need of perimeter depth. Beal would not start, but he could play a vital sixth-man role, handling second-unit offense and closing games alongside Giannis and Lillard.
Why It Makes Sense: Championship potential. Beal’s ring chase might outweigh financial concerns, and he’d see meaningful minutes in a high-level playoff environment.
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4. Philadelphia 76ers
Projected Offer: $7.9 million (Mid-Level Exception)
Fresh off a strong playoff run and with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey forming an elite inside-out duo, the 76ers are looking to add one more perimeter piece to solidify their rotation. With James Harden now fully out of the picture, Beal could thrive as a complementary scorer.
Philadelphia can offer the full MLE, and Beal would likely be featured heavily in Nick Nurse’s offense. The Sixers have also emerged as a preferred destination for veteran players seeking both playing time and postseason relevance.
Why It Makes Sense: A balanced, talented roster with room for Beal to thrive offensively. He wouldn’t carry the team, but he’d be a vital cog in their title hopes.
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The Bigger Picture
While Beal’s market value has dipped since his All-NBA-level performances in Washington, he remains a reliable 20-point-per-game scorer with playoff seasoning. He’s no longer a franchise cornerstone, but he could be the final piece for a contender.
However, the decision isn’t purely about basketball. Lifestyle, market size, playing time, and relationships with coaches and front offices will all factor into Beal’s choice. Sources close to the player indicate that he’s “open-minded” but focused on winning. That bodes well for teams like Milwaukee and Philadelphia, even if they can’t outbid others financially.
The buyout hasn’t been finalized, but momentum is building. If Beal and the Suns can come to terms in the coming days, he’s expected to narrow his choices quickly. Training camps open in early September, and Beal wants to enter with full commitment to his new team.
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Final Thoughts
Bradley Beal’s next move could reshape the title race. While he’s no longer the high-usage star he once was, his skill set still holds value in the modern NBA — especially for playoff teams looking to add veteran scoring. The Heat, Lakers, Bucks, and Sixers each offer a different mix of opportunity and ambition. Whichever p
ath he chooses, it could be one of the offseason’s most meaningful dominoes.
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