Where Should Beal Go?
All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
While it’s not official yet, Bradley Beal and the Suns are discussing a potential buyout, which would make Beal a free agent. There have been several teams who have expressed interest in Beal should he become available. The Clippers, Warriors, Lakers, and Bucks have emerged as the top potential suitors for Beal. Depending on what Beal asks for financially, few teams will have genuine shot at obtaining Beal. Where can and should he go?
From a basketball standpoint, the Clippers seem like the best destination for Bradley Beal. With the recent trade of their starting shooting guard, Norman Powell, they could really benefit from Beal’s secondary ball-handling next to James Harden. On paper, the Clippers’ starting five would look very dangerous, with the addition of Beal bringing much-needed scoring and playmaking to complement their established core.
The Warriors have the most money to offer Bradley Beal, if financial compensation is a key factor in his decision. Beal would likely have a bigger role with the Warriors compared to the Clippers or Lakers. One of the Warriors’ biggest flaws this season was a lack of inside presence and secondary scoring when Steph Curry was off the floor. Beal would help address the scoring issue significantly, and he wouldn’t have to share the ball with two other ball-dominant scorers.
The Lakers are always a team free agents consider due to the huge market and the opportunity to play with superstars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić. However, they already have their starting shooting guard in Austin Reaves, who is a borderline All-Star. Adding Beal would create positional overlap, as both players essentially play the same role. The Lakers are looking to add more talent after a lackluster free agency thus far, but they may not have the financial flexibility to acquire Beal.
The Bucks are reportedly the last team with mutual interest from Bradley Beal, and it makes sense. In Milwaukee, Beal would have the biggest role, serving as Giannis’s right-hand man. The ball would be in Beal’s hands if he chooses the Bucks. Will Beal turn the team around? Probably not. The Bucks are a shadow of the team that won the championship in 2021. While Beal could help fill in for Dame’s absence, it doesn’t solve all of their issues. Additionally, the Bucks likely only have the veteran minimum available for Beal, which is just $3.3 million.
If Beal wants to get paid, he would go to Golden State. If Beal wants a larger role again, he would go to Milwaukee. If Beal wants a mix of both and a greater chance to compete, he would choose the LA Clippers.
