Bradley Beal’s time in the Valley of the Sun had more valleys than peaks, and he and the Suns are rumored to part ways soon after two full seasons.
Phoenix is expected to waive the 32-year-old shooting guard, who was owed more than $110 million over the next two years. If that happens, the franchise will pay the majority of that money over the next five years, while Beal will join the market as an available free agent.
However unsuccessful the Suns were during Beal’s time with the franchise, he averaged 17.6 points over 106 games, shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from 3-point range in the process. He could be a valuable addition for several teams, especially at the lower figure he will command.
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Here are some potential landing spots for Beal, each of whom qualified for the playoffs last season.
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Bradley Beal landing spots
Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets are having an incredible offseason, addressing some of the biggest issues that plagued them during the 2024-25 campaign. Adding Beal would be another step in the right direction.
Last season, Denver ranked 28th in 3-pointers made. Beal is a career 37.6 percent 3-point shooter who knocked down 1.9 3s per game in each of the past two seasons, suggesting an ideal fit.Â
This would largely hinge on Beal accepting a reserve role with the Nuggets, something he was reluctant to do with the Suns. Denver’s starting unit will likely feature Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic, but Beal would be a great fit in the second unit.
He’s a much different player, but Beal can assume the minutes that will open if Russell Westbrook walks in free agency. With Beal, Denver’s second unit would also feature Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., Julian Strawther, Jonas Valanciunas, and Peyton Watson, giving them the depth to make a run in the West.
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Golden State Warriors
Golden State reportedly has interest in Beal, and his addition would make sense given the state of things in the Bay.
Beal is a cerebral player who can carve out a role in the system that revolves around Stephen Curry. The Warriors would be older, but they need more offensive innovation outside of Curry and deadline acquisition Jimmy Butler.
The role would likely fluctuate, but there is a need for Beal’s skillset, and his experience allows him to fit in with a veteran group. The downside is that Golden State would only be getting older, and last season was a reminder that while older teams know how to win, injury is always a real risk.
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LA Clippers
If getting a starting job is Beal’s biggest priority, the Clippers might be the best chance to do so. LA’s move to deal Norman Powell to Miami opens up a spot in the backcourt, and Beal could fill it.
Defensively, a backcourt of James Harden and Beal is flawed, but Kawhi Leonard, Brook Lopez, and Ivica Zubac are capable of compensating, at least to a certain extent. Beal is the same age as Powell, and there would likely not be too much drop-off in production, though they are also different players.
As a bonus, Beal would stay in the Pacific Division and have a chance to face Phoenix at least four times.
Miami Heat
After years of trade talks, maybe free agency is how the Heat finally get their shot at Beal. The addition of Powell shouldn’t hinder them, either.
Miami continues to swing and miss on players it’s linked to, but the franchise is looking to retool and bounce back from an embarrassing first-round sweep in 2025. Beal adds an offensive punch to a team that experienced plenty of stagnancy on that end of the floor.
The role is tricky, as the Heat’s starting unit as currently constructed would feature Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo, and Kel’el Ware in the frontcourt, while Tyler Herro is the only lock in the backcourt. Is Herro best paired with Powell or Davion Mitchell? Or would a Beal-Herro backcourt work?
Miami may not be done dealing, but Beal would have to be accepting of initial uncertainty with his role.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks continue to show the willingness to do whatever it takes to build a solid roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. A move for Beal may align with those plans, as well.
After waiving Damian Lillard, Milwaukee currently has a guard room built to handle playmaking and scoring duties by committee. As constructed, the Bucks’ backcourt depth includes A.J. Green, Gary Harris, Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Gary Trent Jr.
Each of the above guards has made solid contributions in the past, but Beal is a known commodity who would bring more stability to the group.
Milwaukee still needs a true point guard to set the table, but Beal would at least be a player who, in moderation, can get them in sets. He can also play off the ball when Antetokounmpo inevitably takes on more responsibilities leading the offense.
MORE:Â What Damian Lillard’s release means for Giannis Antetokounmpo
