In almost the exact same fashion as Ben Simmons, the LA Clippers' front office will have to be patient with Bradley Beal, as there is a process, particularly a longer one in this case, due to his contract. Not only does Beal have a no-trade clause, but there could be over $100 million involved, causing complications that neither side desires.
In fact, the time has come for both sides to move on from each other, as the Phoenix Suns have Devin Booker and Jalen Green taking over the spotlight as the most prominent and dominant scorers in the valley.
The buyout for Beal has been hyped for the Clippers the moment Norman Powell was traded out of LA and to the Miami Heat. Executive Lawrence Frank left a fair amount of the mid-level exception for Beal, and even opened up a starting spot for him by sending Powell to the Eastern Conference.
That said, with the question, why is there a holdup on Beal's free agency status when a buyout should have already occurred? Looming heavily among Clipper Nation, 'The Stein Line' recently published a piece that revealed the answer, forcing fans to wait even longer, albeit for a justifiable reason.
Bradley Beal's side is on hold due to a sufficient amount of money he is waiting to receive from the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are employing the waive-and-stretch strategy on a larger scale, similar to the Milwaukee Bucks' approach with Damian Lillard, in their pursuit of terminating Bradley Beal. This decision works well for the moment, as the Suns will be out of Beal's contract, consisting of the highest individual power in the NBA, but they will still owe him the amount next to his signature.
Moreover, Beal is electing to wait before proceeding with the buyout process, as according to 'The Stein Line,' he is on track to receive a massive check of $ 13 million or more this upcoming Tuesday.
Rightfully so, the star guard believes there is nothing wrong with waiting until the money is fully received, even if it is guaranteed, which is why his inevitable buyout and potential signing with the LA Clippers are lingering.
Nonetheless, the Clippers will likely receive Beal, as nearly every credible reporter has confirmed they are the frontrunners. However, fans will have to wait, given the figures and terms/conditions of his contract, which is a serious matter.