Reports: Phoenix Suns Weighing Drastic Bradley Beal Buyout Option

PHOENIX, AZ – The Phoenix Suns' high-priced "Big Three" era may be facing a premature and costly end. The franchise is reportedly giving serious consideration to buying out the contract of star guard Bradley Beal, a move that would represent a stunning pivot after just one season, according to multiple league sources.

The initial report emerged from John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports, who stated Sunday that a buyout is a distinct possibility as the Suns grapple with the severe financial and roster-building constraints imposed by Beal's maximum contract. Such a move would send shockwaves through the NBA, effectively admitting the failure of a blockbuster trade intended to create a championship superteam.

The Unwieldy Contract

At the heart of the issue is Beal's colossal contract and the rare no-trade clause he possesses—a right he negotiated with the Washington Wizards and carried over to Phoenix. The 31-year-old guard is owed approximately $161 million over the next three seasons, a figure that severely hampers the Suns' ability to improve a roster that was swept out of the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The no-trade clause gives Beal ultimate veto power over any potential trade, making it exceedingly difficult for the Suns' front office, led by owner Mat Ishbia and General Manager James Jones, to find a workable deal. With few trade partners willing or able to absorb such a large salary for a player whose production has declined, the Suns are left with limited and painful options. A buyout, while financially staggering, would provide the team with a path to greater flexibility.

The Failed Superteam Experiment

Phoenix acquired Beal in June 2023, forming a formidable offensive trio alongside superstars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The move was hailed as an all-in push for an NBA title, but the on-court results never matched the star power on paper. The team struggled with chemistry, depth, and defense throughout the season, culminating in a swift and decisive playoff exit.

While Beal averaged 18.2 points and 5.0 assists per game, his integration into the offense was often clunky, and the team's top-heavy salary structure left it with little room to build a competent supporting cast under the NBA's new, more punitive collective bargaining agreement. The experiment highlighted the risks of concentrating so much of a team's salary cap into three players, especially without the requisite depth and defensive identity to compete at the highest level.

What a Buyout Entails

Should the Suns proceed with a buyout, they would likely utilize the NBA's "stretch provision." This mechanism would allow the franchise to spread Beal's remaining guaranteed salary over a longer period, lessening the annual salary cap hit. If they were to stretch his remaining $161 million, the cap hit would be spread over seven years (twice the number of years remaining on the contract, plus one).

This would provide immediate, albeit partial, financial relief and the ability to operate with more freedom in free agency and trades. However, it would also mean carrying a significant amount of "dead money" on their books for nearly a decade, a long-term consequence for a short-term gamble that did not pay off.

For Beal, a buyout would make him an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team. He would likely command significant interest on the open market at a much lower price, with the Suns paying the bulk of his salary. This would make him an attractive piece for a contending team looking to add a proven scorer, while signaling a major and humbling reset for the Phoenix Suns franchise.