Bradley Beal finally ended his offseason saga by joining the Los Angeles Clippers.
The veteran guard signed a two-year deal worth $11 million after agreeing to a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns.
Beal sacrificed $13.9 million from the remaining $110 million on his contract to complete the buyout. The Suns will likely waive-and-stretch his remaining salary over five years.
Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty ImagesHow Beal’s Phoenix tenure ended in disappointment
The move concludes Beal’s two-year stint with the Suns, which failed to produce significant results despite teaming with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
Injuries plagued Bradley Beal’s Phoenix career, limiting him to just 53 games last season while averaging 17 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Beal’s reluctance to accept a reduced role contributed to his departure from Phoenix. This creates an interesting dynamic with the Clippers, where he might not be the primary or secondary star.
Lakers reportedly targeted Beal with Reaves as trade asset
This signing also creates a ripple effect that benefits an unexpected party: Lakers guard Austin Reaves.
The Lakers had expressed significant interest in acquiring Beal throughout the offseason. Their fans’ frustration after learning about his Clippers signing reflected the team’s genuine pursuit of the veteran guard.
Reports suggested Reaves could have been included in any potential Lakers trade package for Beal. Beal’s decision to join the Clippers effectively saves Reaves from a Phoenix destination.
Even if Beal had joined the Lakers without Reaves being traded, the guard’s role would have diminished significantly.
Both players operate primarily as shooting guards, creating positional overlap that would have reduced Reaves’ minutes and impact.
The current situation allows Reaves to retain his position as the Lakers’ third star behind LeBron James and Luka Doncic for the upcoming season.
Reaves posted impressive numbers last season with 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 37.7% from three-point range.
His future beyond the 2025-26 season remains uncertain, but he can approach next season knowing his role remains unchanged.
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty ImagesBeal additions create championship potential for the Clippers
Meanwhile, for the Clippers, Beal‘s playmaking and shooting ability should complement Kawhi Leonard and James Harden effectively.
Beal maintained a solid 38.6% three-point percentage last season, demonstrating his continued value.
The Clippers’ roster improvements extend beyond Beal. Adding John Collins and backup center Brook Lopez positions them as legitimate contenders next season, assuming Kawhi Leonard and Beal remain healthy.