The Phoenix Suns brought in guard Bradley Beal in the Summer of 2023 to form their Big 3 of Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker. While in the first season they won 49 games, they were swept out of the first round of the playoffs. Last season was only worse as their 36-46 record couldn’t even get them into the play-in tournaments. Durant packed his bags for Houston Rockets earlier this year and Booker got an extension. Now, it seems like the Beal era in the Valley is setting soon.

The Athletic’s Fred Katz reporting, “The Suns and Beal are increasingly optimistic that the two sides will agree to terms on a buyout.” But things aren’t as easy. Currently, the Suns are hoping to waive Beal after the buyout and stretch his remaining 2-year salary over the next five years. It will get them out of the second apron roll and also the luxury tax. In fact, Phoenix had reportedly tried to ship off Beal ahead of the NBA’s February 6th trade deadline too. However, not many teams had the cap space or available exceptions for the 32-year-old guard’s $13.8 million per year.

Earlier Katz informed, “According to a league source, the list of teams Beal has thought about includes the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks.” Here’s how all the teams look according to various sources:

• LA Lakers: At best, the Lakers can get Beal a $5.1 million starting salary with biannual exception.
• LA Clippers: After sending Norman Powell to Miami and bringing in John Collins from Utah, the Clippers used their $14.1 million midlevel exception to sign center Brook Lopez. Now, they only have the $5.3 million MLE for Beal in 2025-26 despite having a starting spot at the position empty.
• Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks have nothing except for the minimum contract for the guard after having used their exceptions already.
• Golden State Warriors: Currently, the Golden State Warriors are looking to get Kuminga a sign-and-trade contract. However, no viable option seems to be in sight. In case they can’t bring in money for the deal, the Warriors will have the $14.1 million MLE for Beal, most than any of his chosen teams could provide him.

With all points noted, Beal has come up with a message to the one that looked strongest to bring the guard to the Bay Area. According to Full Court Pass and John Gambodoro, “Bradley Beal is still “weighing his options” and will be officially bought out by the Suns AFTER he chooses his next team.” So now, ball is in Beal’s court.

Things also took a turn when NBA Insider Marc Stein reported, “The Clippers’ salary cap management has indeed opened the door to signing both Bradley Beal (conditional on a Phoenix buyout) and reuniting with Chris Paul.” But finding the right profile isn’t even half the battle here.

This has not been one of Beal’s more impactful seasons. He did have a fair 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists on 50/39/80 shooting splits in 2024. But it’s been limited by injuries (most recently, hamstring) and overshadowed by other stars (like Grayson Allen in his absence). His trade value is low, his role uncertain, but the real hurdle is that monster of a contract. So, if they’re to land Beal, Phoenix opting for his buyout is their notification.

But if Beal’s off the list, the rest of them are still far from perfect. The Clippers just lost Norman Powell, while the Lakers need more than just Deandre Ayton. So why not give Chris Paul a shot?

Could Chris Paul be a viable substitute for Bradley Beal?

“At most, a year,” ‘CP3’ was clear on how much time he has left in the NBA. And the man has truly done it all. For 2025, Paul has started all 82 games for San Antonio in the year he’s been there- a milestone he hasn’t hit since his Clippers days back in 2014-15. Even crazier? He’s the first player in NBA history to pull that off in their 20th season. But there’s more than just a hint of nostalgia to this rumor- the Powell transfer changes so much up in Lob City that it could lure Paul to the Clippers for a last hurrah.

“I think this is it, and I think he will find a home. It’s going to come later than most free agents. Last week, on this show, I talked about I thought the Phoenix Suns would be the most likely landing place for him. I’m going to expand that or maybe amend it,” Ramona Shelbourne has stated: “I think the Los Angeles Clippers make a lot of sense for him now. Now that they’ve traded Norman Powell, they need an extra reinforcement in the backcourt. And yeah, Bradley Beal is out there, but why not have both?”

The Lakers need someone to steer the ship when LeBron or Luka catch a breather—and Chris Paul might be just the guy. Even at 40, CP3 dished out 7.4 assists per game last season, still playing chess while others play checkers. His resume speaks volumes: 12 All-Star nods, 11 All-NBA selections, and a history of bringing unmatched basketball IQ alongside a sort of veteran savvy to the team that young players can thrive under. Plus, with his family already in LA, Paul finishing his career in purple and gold? It’s more than sentimental, it’s the perfect fit. But that’s not too likely if the Clippers come calling.

Obviously, the trade market’s just warming up. As if KD drama wasn’t wild enough, now Bradley Beal’s contract clause is being put to the test. Yep, the unmovable might just be on the move. Could Beal be the piece that kicks off a new chapter in the Bay? Stay tuned.