The Phoenix Suns broke up their underachieving trio of star players when they recently traded Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets, and it sounds like Bradley Beal could be the next to go.
Beal has been mentioned as a trade candidate since the deadline this past season. There are some obstacles standing in the way of a deal, however, the most notable of which is his no-trade clause. Beal is also 32, coming off a down year and owed $110M over the next two seasons.
According to a Thursday report from Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, the Suns have been discussing the possibility of a buyout agreement with Beal.
Rankin notes that the Suns are currently projected to be about $10M over the second apron. Another possible option for Phoenix would be to waive Beal and stretch his remaining contract over the next five seasons, which is what the Milwaukee Bucks just did with Damian Lillard. That would allow the Suns to get under the second apron and avoid the restrictions that accompany it.
Beal averaged just 17.0 points, 3.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game this season. He has had trouble staying healthy since the Washington Wizards traded him to Phoenix, as he played in just 53 games in each of the last two seasons.
There is at least one Western Conference playoff team that could have interest in Beal if the Suns reach a buyout agreement with the three-time All-Star.
