Bradley Beal’s next team might be set in stone after latest NBA free-agency twist

Bradley Beal's tenure with the Phoenix Suns is ending, with the Los Angeles Clippers emerging as his overwhelmingly obvious next destination. The Clippers have long been the favorites to acquire the 32-year-old guard, a position strengthened after they traded Norman Powell for John Collins, increasing their need for a ball-handling guard.

While other teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves, have been linked to Beal, they are seen as unrealistic options. The Bucks solidified their guard rotation by adding Cole Anthony. The Timberwolves can only offer a minimum salary, cannot guarantee Beal a closing lineup spot, and have Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle ahead of him offensively. The Warriors' fit is questionable with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, leaving Beal's offensive role unclear and limited financially. The Lakers' fit is deemed nonsensical alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James, despite offering a $5.1 million exception.

The Clippers present a clearer path to starting minutes for Beal. While James Harden and Kawhi Leonard would be the primary options, Leonard's injury history means Beal could often function as the second option, especially given the team's efforts to reduce Leonard's offensive load. Acquiring Beal also significantly benefits the Suns financially. Buying him out and stretching his contract would saddle Phoenix with nearly $20 million in dead money for years. Instead, every dollar Beal earns from his new team offsets the Suns' luxury-tax bill, meaning the higher his salary (like the Clippers' offer), the more Phoenix saves.

Currently, the Clippers can offer more money ($5.3 million) than any other reported suitor. This financial advantage, combined with the on-court fit and the substantial relief it provides the Suns, makes the Clippers the clear frontrunner and most realistic destination for Beal.