Bradley Beal absolutely screws the Suns on his way out

The Phoenix Suns have bought out Bradley Beal, removing him from their roster but creating significant long-term financial issues. To avoid the punitive second tax apron, the Suns were forced to waive-and-stretch Beal's contract. This results in $19.4 million of "dead money" counting against their salary cap annually for the next five seasons, a charge they cannot eliminate and must pay through the 2030 campaign.

Despite Beal's solid on-court production last season (17 points per game on efficient shooting), his massive salary and no-trade clause eliminated any trade market. Beal had to approve any potential trade and was unwilling to leave Phoenix. This lack of options left the Suns facing only two choices: buy him out or keep paying the remaining $110.8 million over two years. The buyout was chosen.

The Suns received nothing in return for Beal because he refused to waive his no-trade clause. While Beal did give back enough money to facilitate the contract stretching, this was the sole concession. Beal is now free to join a contender, specifically the LA Clippers, while still receiving substantial payments from the Suns.

The Suns' acquisition of Beal is portrayed as a major mistake. They paid him star-level money (nearly $97 million) for what amounted to role player production over two seasons where he played only 53 games each year. The team failed to win any playoff games during his tenure, falling short of championship expectations. The financial burden continues as the $19.4 million cap hold prevents Phoenix from spending that money on players who could help them win for the next five years, hindering efforts to build around Devin Booker.

Although the buyout saves the Suns $200 million this season, pushing them below the luxury tax line and aprons and providing some roster flexibility, it introduces a new set of problems lasting until 2030. Beal emerges as the clear winner, getting paid by Phoenix while freely joining his chosen team. The article concludes that while the buyout was necessary, the Suns will regret the original Beal trade and feel its painful financial consequences for years, serving as a lesson about the risks of star power and no-trade clauses.