The Phoenix Suns appear to be moving toward a solution to their Bradley Beal problem.
The Suns have discussed a possible buyout with Beal recently, according to Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic. The team would be able to stretch any buyout over five years as the organization aims to reduce its luxury tax bill.
Beal is still owed $110 million over the next two seasons. The size of that contract, combined with the no-trade clause the Washington Wizards originally inserted into it, have combined to make the veteran guard virtually impossible to move via trade.
If the Suns were to buy Beal out, he would become a free agent and could sign with any team. He would likely have to take a significant salary cut, so the buyout figure would likely be a substantial one.
Reports have indicated that there is no real role for Beal on next year’s team, which may leave the Suns no choice but to pay him off and let him leave. There is at least one Western Conference rival that would reportedly have some interest in him were that to happen.
Beal never really fit with the Suns, and his two-year tenure with the team was plagued by injuries. He appeared in 106 total games with Phoenix and averaged 17.6 points per game, a significant drop from his peak with Washington. The 32-year-old can still shoot, but would likely have to accept a more marginal role to start rebuilding his value.
