On Wednesday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that former Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal will undergo season-ending surgery on his left hip to repair a fracture. Beal's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN that Beal is expected to "have a full and complete recovery."
The news comes four months after the Suns agreed to waive-and-stretch the remainder of Beal's contract, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. He then signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Clippers.
Beal struggled during the first couple of weeks of the season in LA, averaging 8.2 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, shooting 37.5% from the field and 36.8 % from three in 20.2 minutes per contest. He played six games, with his final game of the season happening last Saturday, a 114-103 loss to Phoenix. Beal hurt his hip in that game, and although he was listed as questionable to return, he re-entered the game.
On Monday, Ty Lue said that there was concern that the 32-year-old guard would miss "multiple" games. Now, it's clear that the injury is even worse than anticipated.
Just in: Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal has a fracture in his hip and will undergo season-ending surgery, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/XrwyOTUdOo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 12, 2025
Former Suns guard Bradley Beal is out for the rest of the season
Beal spent the offseason recovering from a right knee scope that he underwent after the 2024-25 season ended. In the few games he played in, he was on a 20-minute-per-game restriction. Beal also dealt with a back injury that he suffered in LA's Oct. 24 win over Phoenix, which caused him to miss a couple of games.
Regardless of how Suns fans feel about Beal, this is devastating news, as he hoped to get his career back on track with the Clippers. He didn't meet the expectations that were set for him in Phoenix after the Suns mortgaged a chunk of their future in the 2023 trade for him. Beal did waive his no-trade clause with the Wizards to join the Suns, but the trade wasn't his decision.
His no-trade clause was a point of contention during his two seasons in Phoenix. It would've been hard enough to trade him without one. The Suns felt as if their only option was to get him off the roster, but he'll be on the payroll for five years.
Beal was excited about his fresh start in Los Angeles, and there was a lot of hype about the Clippers during the offseason. The beginning of the season has told a different story, as LA is 3-7, 12th in the West, five spots behind Phoenix. Not only is Beal done for the season, but Kawhi Leonard has missed the past few games with an ankle sprain.
Hopefully, for Beal's sake, he will make a full recovery and be able to return next season.