Warriors’ Hopes of Signing Bradley Beal Rise After Surprise Rival Move
The Golden State Warriors have received a surprising boost in their pursuit of Bradley Beal, following a rival team’s unexpected roster shift. With Beal reportedly headed for a buyout from the Phoenix Suns, the Warriors now appear to be in a stronger position to land the three-time All-Star guard.
Beal Nearing Buyout
Beal’s time in Phoenix looks to be ending, as both sides are reportedly optimistic about finalizing a buyout agreement. He still has over $110 million remaining on his deal, but the Suns are expected to stretch that money across several years to gain financial flexibility. Once the buyout is complete, Beal will become an unrestricted free agent — opening the door for title contenders like Golden State to make their pitch.
Golden State’s Interest Confirmed
The Warriors have long been intrigued by Beal’s scoring ability and backcourt versatility. According to recent reports, Golden State is one of the teams Beal would be open to joining, along with the Clippers, Lakers, and Bucks. With the departure of Klay Thompson and questions about offensive depth behind Stephen Curry, Beal could be a perfect fit in Steve Kerr’s system.
Golden State has financial constraints, but they still have the taxpayer mid-level exception (about $5.7 million) available — which they could offer to Beal as a short-term deal to chase a title.
Bucks Pivot Creates Opening
The biggest shift came from Milwaukee. Once considered a top contender for Beal, the Bucks surprised many by signing Cole Anthony and Gary Trent Jr., moves that suggest they are no longer prioritizing a pursuit of Beal. This decision may stem from salary cap concerns or a desire to reshape their roster with younger, less expensive players.
This sudden change removes one of the Warriors’ main competitors, effectively clearing a lane for Golden State to become a more serious suitor. With fewer teams aggressively chasing Beal, the Warriors’ chances of convincing him to join a veteran group increase significantly.
Clippers Still in the Mix
While Milwaukee may be out of the picture, the Los Angeles Clippers remain a serious contender. They’ve made their own cap-clearing moves, including trading Norman Powell, potentially freeing up space for a Beal signing. Beal reportedly has a strong interest in L.A., and the Clippers can offer a prominent role and a chance to compete immediately.
Still, Golden State has several advantages. Beal could step into a key role next to Curry and Jimmy Butler (if that rumored acquisition happens), and benefit from the Warriors’ strong locker room and championship culture. Additionally, Kerr’s player-friendly system and the opportunity to play in the Bay Area could prove appealing.
Outlook
With Beal’s buyout nearing completion and the Bucks seemingly stepping away, the Warriors have gained momentum in their pursuit. While they still face competition — particularly from the Clippers — Golden State’s combination of need, culture, and opportunity gives them a compelling case to land one of the league’s premier scorers.
For a team looking to retool quickly and return to contention, adding Bradley Beal could be a major step forward — and the path just got a little clearer.
