Breaking: Bradley Beal Open to Lakers via Buyout, Says Arizona Sports
In a stunning development today, Arizona Sports insider John Gambadoro reported that Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Bradley Beal would accept a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers—if he is first bought out by the Suns. This seismic shift surfaces amid ongoing turmoil in Phoenix following the blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston (athlonsports.com).
What’s fueling this talk?
Beal, 31, joined the Suns in a high-profile 2023 trade alongside Chris Paul. Expectations were sky-high in forming a “Big 3” with Devin Booker and KD. Yet his two seasons in Phoenix have been disappointing:
- Averaged just 17.6 PPG, down sharply from his 22+ PPG tenure in Washington.
- Averaged fewer than 60 games per season since 2020–21 due to lingering injuries (nypost.com, bleacherreport.com).
- He still holds a fully restricted no-trade clause, along with a hefty contract: $111 million remaining over two seasons on a five‑year, $251 million deal signed in 2022 (as.com).
With Durant gone, the Suns are seriously weighing whether Beal is next to be moved—either via trade or outright buyout (reddit.com).
Why the Lakers?
Gambadoro reported that Beal “admitted” he would waive his no-trade clause for the Lakers, though the Lakers have yet to express interest (. The scenario:
- A buyout would free Beal onto the open market.
- A top-tier team like the Lakers could then pursue him on a minimum contract, circumventing his salary burden.
The Lakers, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis aging, are hungry for a scoring boost. Beal offers a lethal perimeter shot and veteran leadership—though his $50M+ salary makes a direct trade nearly impossible due to cap constraints .
The Complexities
Despite reports, Beal’s agent has historically vigorously defended his no-trade clause:
- Denounced earlier rumors of waiving it for Milwaukee, Denver, Miami, or LA as “created out of thin air”
- Stated that Beal is focused on getting healthy and helping the Suns (hoopshype.com).
- Highlighted that waiving the clause would only be considered for meaningful contenders and winning environments (bleacherreport.com).
Reddit discussions support this caution—Beal is protective of the clause and reluctant to leave Phoenix, where he’s settled with his wife and two sons (reddit.com). Cold-weather and rebuilding franchises are reportedly off the table for him (reddit.com).
What Happens Next?
- Suns
Will weigh the benefits of a cost-saving buyout against trade value they might fetch. A buyout allows faster cap relief, but Phoenix would lose leverage in negotiating an asset return. - Beal
Gains freedom and control over his destination, but risks losing tens of millions if he leaves his current contract on the table. That said, his priority appears to be joining a contender on his terms. - Lakers
Could capitalize on a buying-out Suns with star appeal and championship window intact. Still, meeting Beal’s minimum and fitting him into their rotation—while aging—comes with challenges. - Other Contenders
The likes of Miami, Denver, and Milwaukee are perennial contenders who have been floated in rumors. But Beal’s commitment to his clause and desire for warm weather may narrow the field to West Coast options.
Summary
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Beal’s openness to Lakers | ✅, but contingent on buyout (bleacherreport.com) |
| No-trade clause | Strongly protected—only for top-tier situations |
| Suns’ options | Trade or buyout; likely trim payroll after Durant exit |
| Beal’s priorities | Health, winning, family stability |
Timeline
Expect movement in the next few days to weeks:
- Suns’ front office may formally present buyout terms.
- Beal and his agent will assess which contenders (Lakers among them) are interested.
- A buyout-then-sign pattern may unfold—if a team like the Lakers steps up.
✍️ Bottom Line
Bradley Beal’s openness to the Lakers—as long as it’s through a buyout—marks a pivotal turn. Phoenix appears ready to pivot, with Beal’s massive contract and injury concerns making him a prime candidate for cap relief. For Beal, it’s a balancing act: relinquish financial security for a shot at contention, possibly in the Lakers fold. But only if the stars align—league eligibility, team need, and his no-trade clause all converge.
Stay tuned: the next move could redefine both Suns’ rebuild and Lakers’ title hopes.
