Bradley Beal is “actively exploring his options” as a potential free agent in anticipation of the Phoenix Suns buying out his contract, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Per Stein, Beal is expected to generate “considerable interest” in unrestricted free agency.
On Thursday, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic reported that the Suns have been discussing a possible buyout of the shooting guard’s contract.
A buyout involving Beal and the Suns is considered “imminent,” per Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports.
Beal still has two seasons totaling $110.8 million remaining on a five-year, $251 million contract that he signed with the Washington Wizards in 2022.
This includes a $57.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season.
Beal also has a no-trade clause in his contract, which likely factored into Phoenix’s reported unsuccessful attempts to move him prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
The Suns acquired him in a blockbuster deal with the Wizards in 2023, but the three-time All-Star hasn’t lived up to expectations following the change of scenery.
Beal has been hampered by injuries, appearing in just 106 of a possible 164 games with Phoenix. He’s averaged 17.6 points, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50.5 percent from the field and 40.7 percent from three-point territory on the Suns.
The 32-year-old’s health and defensive issues are concerning, but his offensive talent should still be enticing to teams on the open market without the hefty contract attached.
With Beal’s tenure as a member of the Suns seemingly winding down, he’s starting to evaluate his options as a future free agent.