SPORTS

Phoenix Suns' Big Move: Buying Out Bradley Beal

Phoenix, USAThu Jul 17 2025

The Phoenix Suns have made a bold decision, choosing to buy out Bradley Beal's contract. This move means Beal will give back $13.9 million from his remaining $110.9 million, spreading the rest over the next five seasons.

Financial Implications

  • Saves $176 million in tax bills this year alone.
  • Helps avoid the "repeater" tax team label, which would make keeping a strong roster even more expensive.

Strategic Flexibility

  • Avoids the second apron, allowing the Suns to offer more than just the veteran's minimum in free agency.
  • Could have traded high-contract players or not guaranteed Nick Richards' contract ($13 million savings), but opted for the buyout instead.

Future Considerations

  • Dead money from the buyout could fluctuate based on the team's financial operations.
  • If the Suns stay "over the cap," Beal's dead money won't count toward their tax bill but will still take up salary cap space.

Looking Ahead

This move shows the Suns are thinking strategically, but it also serves as a reminder of past challenges in navigating the NBA's complex salary cap rules. Only time will tell if this decision pays off.

questions

    Will the Suns' dead money finally give them enough leverage to trade for a player who can actually shoot threes?
    If Bradley Beal's dead money is like a bad roommate, how long until the Suns can finally evict him?
    What are the ethical implications of the Suns' decision to buy out Bradley Beal, considering his past contributions to the team?

actions