NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Sunday that Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal was "in talks" with other teams in "anticipation of completing a buyout" with his current team. The following day, Jake Fischer wrote that if Beal is bought out and signs with the Clippers, it would increase the chances of Chris Paul signing with the Suns (subscription required).
Paul is one of a few veteran point guards left on the free agency market. He is reportedly considering joining Phoenix or LA, two teams he previously played for. His family is based in Los Angeles, so while it seemed like the Clippers had the upper hand, Monday's trade might've changed that. LA traded Norman Powell to Miami, increasing the possibility of Beal signing with the Clippers, given their need for a shooter.
What must happen first is the Suns waiving and stretching the remainder of Beal's contract, a move that would help them in the short term, but not so much in the long term. Beal will have to accept about $13.9 million less than the $110.8 million remaining on his contract for a buyout to happen, something he may decide not to do.
Fans have been impatiently waiting for Phoenix to get rid of Beal. The Suns tried to trade him, but his no-trade clause was an issue. If he and Phoenix agree to the above scenario, it'd free him to sign with another team. Paul is already in play for the Suns, but Beal going to the Clippers would help Phoenix in its pursuit of the 40-year-old future Hall of Famer.
Bradley Beal signing with Clippers could lead Chris Paul to Suns
Paul is still analyzing his options. He reportedly wants to be a starter for his next team, which could be a hold-up for a team like the Suns. Phoenix needs another point guard, though, and having Paul might be the culture reset the organization is hoping for.
Beal would have several suitors as a free agent, so there is no guarantee that he'd be swayed to sign with the Clippers. The Bucks could pose the biggest threat to LA, as an opportunity to help shift the culture in Milwaukee alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo might be too tempting for Beal to pass up. He could also sign with a contender, like the Nuggets, although that'd mean accepting a lesser role.
The majority of Suns fans want Paul to return to the Valley (and for Beal to leave). Both happening back-to-back would feel like a dream come true after what the fan base endured the past couple of years. If Paul is currently favoring signing with the Clippers over the Suns, it could change if Beal lands in Hollywood.