Clippers Tried to Trade for Bradley Beal Twice in Past, Lawrence Frank Says
Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank revealed that the team attempted to trade for Bradley Beal two times in the past before signing him as a free agent, per Law Murray of The Athletic.
"Third time's the charm," Frank said, via Murray.
Beal signed a two-year deal worth $11 million with the Clippers on Wednesday after the Phoenix Suns bought out his contract. The second year of his agreement with Los Angeles contains a player option.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Beal gave up $13.9 million out of the $110 million on the final two years of his contract to complete the buyout with Phoenix. The Suns are expected to waive and stretch his remaining salary over five years.
Beal's hefty contract may have complicated the Clippers' past pursuits of him, with NBA insider Jake Fischer reporting in June that trade interest in the veteran shooting guard was "no more encouraging" than it was prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
The three-time All-Star wasn't able to live up to expectations in Phoenix with his hefty contract and limited availability, failing to appear in more than 53 games in both seasons with the Suns.
He projects as a strong offensive fit alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles while playing on a smaller deal, though. Beal still averaged 17.6 points and 4.3 assists per game on 50.5/40.7/80.8 shooting splits as a member of the Suns.
