Clippers Reportedly Leaders to Sign Bradley Beal if Suns Buy Out Contract amid Rumors

As Bradley Beal looks to get a contract buyout from the Phoenix Suns, a favorite to land him on the free agent market reportedly has emerged.

Per The Athletic's Law Murray, Dan Woike and Fred Katz, the Los Angeles Clippers "are likely the leaders to sign" Beal if the Suns buyout his contract.

With the Clippers in the lead in the potential race for Beal, the team reportedly has been making moves that indicate that he could be on his way. NBC Sports' Kurt Helin reported Monday that the Clippers sending Norman Powell to the Miami Heat "is seen as a precursor" to Los Angeles signing Beal.

Powell had a breakout year last season and was the team's second-leading scorer behind James Harden. The Clippers likely wouldn't have parted ways with him if they weren't expecting to land another scoring option later on this offseason.

But before signing with the Clippers, Beal will need to receive a contract buyout from his current team. He has $110.8 million remaining on his contract and is set to earn $53.7 million this season. He also has a $57.1 million player option in 2026-27.

Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports reported that Phoenix is likely to spread $96.9 million of his remaining contract over the next five years to avoid both tax aprons.

As a trade candidate, there likely wouldn't be much of a market for Beal because of his expensive contract, but he's an enticing option as a free agent. He should be relatively affordable and would make a strong third option alongside Harden and Kawhi Leonard.

While the Clippers are the reported favorite, they're far from the only team that Beal is interested in. According to The Athletic's Fred Katz, Beal "has thought about" the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks.

Of course, the first order of business is getting a contract buyout from the Suns.