West Rival Expected to Steal $250 Million Star Away From Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are pursuing low-cost roster improvements to preserve cap space for major 2026 and 2027 offseason moves centered around acquiring Luka Dončić. After missing out on centers Clint Capela (Houston Rockets) and Brook Lopez (LA Clippers), they secured Deandre Ayton via buyout following his departure from the Portland Trail Blazers.

The LA Clippers, having signed Lopez, are now frontrunners to acquire shooting guard Bradley Beal from the Phoenix Suns. Insiders predict Phoenix will waive Beal and stretch his remaining $110 million contract across multiple years, making him a free agent. ESPN’s Zach Lowe stated on July 10 that Beal will likely be waived imminently and sign with the Clippers.

Beal has drawn interest from multiple teams including the Lakers, Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. His projected $5.3 million salary for 2025-26—a result of the contract-stretch provision—makes him highly valuable in the current market, particularly to the Clippers who retain $14.1 million in mid-level exception funds after signing Lopez.

For Phoenix to stretch Beal’s contract, he must forfeit at least $13.8 million in a buyout agreement. Recognizing limited free-agency money, Beal is expected to seek a two-year deal with a player option for the second season, enabling him to re-enter the market in 2026 for a more lucrative contract.