Bradley Beal's time with the Phoenix Suns came to an abrupt but foreseeable end on Wednesday as the franchise agreed to buy out the remainder of Beal's supermax contract. The decision made Beal an unrestricted free agent, but the former All-Star guard wasted no time in agreeing to sign with a new team.
Alongside the news that his contract was bought out Shams Charania of ESPN reported Beal would be signing with the Los Angeles Clippers, inking a two-year deal worth $11 million. He joins James Harden and Kawhi Leonard after the pair helped lead L.A. to a 50-win season and a playoff berth last year.
Beal's decision to join the Clippers is not necessarily a shock; the two sides have been linked via reports since the first rumors suggested the Suns might buy out Beal. He makes for a good match given Los Angeles's need for perimeter scoring in the aftermath of the Norman Powell trade. The 32-year-old Beal averaged 17.0 points on 49.7% shooting from the floor in 2024–25.
The NBA world was fascinated by the pairing, flawed as it may be between Beal's age and injury history, and had numerous strong reactions in the immediate aftermath of the news.
Clippers are looking dangerous
— BGN Hoops (@BGNHoops) July 16, 2025
Clippers projected starting lineup average age is 31.2 pic.twitter.com/21Hnvy2QkT
— Underdog (@Underdog) July 16, 2025
LMAOOOOO CLIPPERS BOUT TO DEAL WITH PTO MAN pic.twitter.com/ytd0cgWzfA
— 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘢☆ (@Stunna999_) July 16, 2025
I thought the Clippers were dead in the water when Paul George left. All they’ve done since is build a legitimate championship contender that can generate max cap space basically whenever they want to. Just an incredible year of front office work. https://t.co/CdVdLtfO9g
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) July 16, 2025
Phoenix eating $100+M and crippling themselves for 5 years, instead of waiting for one year and trading Beal's expiring is why I love Matt Ishbia. https://t.co/WWpblzfx88
— Miroslav Ćuk (@MiroslavCuk) July 16, 2025
Essentially, Norm Powell for Brad Beal and John Collins seems like a win for the Clippers.
— Mr.K (@KAMAL__09) July 16, 2025
If this was around 2018 or so I would’ve been gassed. https://t.co/Ji4xhvw9re
— JM (@_JayML) July 16, 2025
PLAN THE PARADE https://t.co/8IzAs4YzXH
— NBA FINALS CHAMP AUSTIN FORD (@aus10j4d) July 16, 2025
Was hoping we could have Brad be our 6th Man. Idk how he fell off a cliff so bad, hopefully Hardtimes could help bring him back. https://t.co/20f6DpMQSn
— Shop Heirlooms 🏄♂️ (@ShopHeirlooms) July 16, 2025
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as NBA Fans React to Bradley Beal Joining Western Conference Contender After Suns Buyout.
