The Phoenix Suns are still expected to agree to a buyout with Bradley Beal this week, marking the end of his time in the Valley two years after it began. Waiving and stretching the remainder of his contract would give the Suns financial flexibility, allowing them to drop below the second tax apron and dodge the luxury tax. As nice as that would be in the short term, it wouldn't leave the team in the clear down the road.
Phoenix isn't interested in rebuilding, which is why Devin Booker is still around. Mat Ishbia wants the Suns to win a championship sooner rather than later. Ironically, he's the reason why they've taken several steps backward from doing so since he became the majority owner in 2023. The Suns have a Bradley Beal problem because of him.
A lot has to go right to win a title, even for a great team. It requires as much luck as skill, as injuries can diminish championship hopes within seconds. Ask the Pacers. The truth is that the Suns are still far away from winning a title. It doesn't help that they play in the West, the stronger of the two conferences (by a wide margin).
Phoenix missed the Play-In Tournament altogether this past season. It's hard to envision a scenario where the team will finish in the top six at the end of the 2025-26 regular season, but they could secure a Play-In spot. Even that isn't a given, though. The Suns aren't in a position where they need to waive and stretch Beal's deal to help them win a championship within the next couple of years, because they aren't a contender.
Suns buying Bradley Beal's contract out would be shortsighted
Phoenix would reap financial short-term benefits, but would have Beal's salary on the books for three more seasons, through the 2029-30 season. He'd get about $19.4 million per year, but that would be after he agreed to cut $13.8 million off the $110.8 million left on his current contract, due to the collective bargaining agreement.
Milwaukee waived and stretched Damian Lillard's contract a few weeks ago, but that was done to make room for Myles Turner. The Suns aren't doing the same with Beal to add a player like Turner, as those players are no longer on the market. The Bucks made their move of desperation to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo that he can win another championship in Milwaukee, which is more feasible in the East.
It isn't a popular option, but in the end, waiting until the summer of 2027 to be off Beal's contract would be best for Phoenix (unless a trade miraculously materializes before then). Moving on from him now would mean sacrificing flexibility later, and it's not like the Suns have a high chance of winning a title in the meantime.