PHOENIX – With Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory finalizing the Kevin Durant trade, the next order of business surrounds the status of Bradley Beal next season. The 31-year-old has two years left on his deal, with the last year being a player option for $57 million. Beal has a no-trade clause that has made dumping the $110 committed to him impossible. However, Gregory reportedly give up in his pursuit to ensure that Beal will not be on the roster next season, according to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.
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Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Gambadoro on Beal not being on Suns roster next season:
Gambadoro had strong words months ago, where he stated that there was a “zero percent chance” Beal would be on the Suns roster in 2025-2026. He hasn’t wavered from that initial report, and the franchise has only gotten more desperate to shed the salary. A trade involving Beal would have Phoenix offloading much of the draft assets it received in the Durant deal to entice a team to take on the salary.
Bottom feeding teams like the Charlotte Hornets or Brooklyn Nets could eat Beal’s contract, with neither close to contending. However, the more likely outcome if no team steps up for a Beal trade, is the Suns waiving the three-time All-Star.
Apr 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts on the bench against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Waiving Beal’s $110.8 million contract, would leave Phoenix having to pay him 22.1 million over the next five years or the end of the 2029-2030 season. Beal could help the franchise by giving some money back in the buy negotiations but that option seems unlikely. If the two sides were to agree on a buyout, the Suns would be paying Beal 14.3% of the cap next year to not play with the team.
Regardless, 14.3% is much better compared 34.7% that Beal’s current salary amasses. The franchise is over the second apron and will need to cut cost to avoid future draft punishments of being over that mark. After the Durant trade, Phoenix is $11 million over the second apron, but can easily get under by declining Vasilije Micic’s team option and waiving Cody Martin’s non-guaranteed deal.
Mar 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Sacramento Kings at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Martin’s deal becomes guaranteed on June 30th, meaning Phoenix will need to waive him before that date to get off his salary ahead of next season. Those moves would work, but Gregory and owner Mat Ishbia will want wiggle room to work around, which is why waiving Beal could be in play.
Gregory and Ishbia could even strive to get under the second apron, which is $195.9 million for the 2025-2026 season. Waiving Beal would get them under threshold, giving the franchise a lot more flexibility for future deals and trades. Gregory will still need to fill out the roster, so its unlikely the Suns finished under the first apron on opening night. However, it’s not impossible to pull off this offseason.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
