The NBA rumor mill is buzzing with speculation about Bradley Beal’s next move as he nears a potential buyout with the Phoenix Suns. While many expect the 3x All-Star to join the L.A. Clippers, the Golden State Warriors are emerging as serious contenders to snag the veteran guard. However, to secure Beal’s signature, the Warriors may need to make a bold and risky move that could reshape their roster.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst on Tuesday’s NBA Today, Beal is likely to sacrifice nearly $14 million to facilitate a buyout with the Suns. Local Suns insider Gerald Bourguet, speaking on the PHNX Suns Podcast, emphasized that Beal will prioritize recouping as much of that lost money as possible in free agency. This financial factor could give the Warriors a unique edge—if they play their cards right.
“I think Golden State is another option for Beal. I would actually kind of like that fit for him,” Bourguet said. “But he’s going to try to recoup as much of that $13.9 million that he’s probably sacrificing with whatever contract he signs next. So, I’d look at which teams have the mid-level exception (MLE), whether it’s the taxpayer or non-taxpayer, because that will likely play a major role in his decision.”
For the Warriors to offer Beal the full MLE, they’d need to clear significant cap space. The most realistic path? Letting go of rising star Jonathan Kuminga by rescinding his qualifying offer or trading him with minimal salary in return. This high-stakes move could be the key to luring Beal to the Bay Area, but it comes with serious risks.
The idea of trading or releasing Kuminga to make room for Beal has gained traction in recent discussions. The 23-year-old forward, selected seventh overall in 2021, has shown immense potential and is a cornerstone of Golden State’s young core. However, with Beal’s proven scoring prowess and veteran leadership, the Warriors might see this as a necessary gamble to bolster their championship aspirations.
NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed the Warriors’ interest in Beal during an interview with 95.7 The Game’s Willard and Dibs on Tuesday. “Golden State hasn’t given up hope of stealing Beal from the Clippers’ grasp,” Stein said, signaling that the Warriors are ready to go all-in on the former No. 3 overall pick.
Beal’s tenure with the Suns has been widely criticized as a disappointment, plagued by injuries and a lack of team synergy. Yet, his numbers tell a different story. Over two seasons in Phoenix, Beal averaged 17.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while shooting an impressive 50.5% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc. These stats prove that, at 32, Beal remains a lethal scoring threat and a versatile playmaker who could thrive alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
The Warriors’ ambitions don’t stop at Beal. Marc Stein also revealed that Golden State is eyeing veteran big man Al Horford and guard De’Anthony Melton as potential free-agent additions. Landing all three players could transform the Warriors into a powerhouse, but it would require masterful cap management. Re-signing Kuminga while pursuing Beal, Horford, and Melton is possible, but it would limit the financial offer they could extend to Beal, potentially pushing him toward the Clippers or other suitors.
The Warriors stand at a crossroads. Do they sacrifice Kuminga’s upside for Beal’s proven star power? Or do they try to thread the needle, retaining their young talent while still making a competitive offer to Beal? With rival teams like the Clippers circling, Golden State’s front office faces immense pressure to act decisively.
One thing is clear: the Warriors are ready to shake things up. If they can pull off this risky move, adding Beal’s scoring punch to their already dynamic roster could make them a legitimate threat in the Western Conference. Buckle up, Warriors fans—this offseason just got a whole lot more exciting!