Bradley Beal is expected to hit the free agency market this summer. The Phoenix Suns could decide to waive the former All-NBA scorer. According to Bleacher Report’s Doric Sam, the Miami Heat could be a logical landing spot.
“Miami has been interested in Beal dating back to his time with the Washington Wizards,” Sam wrote. “The Heat pursued him this past season as they attempted to trade star forward Jimmy Butler, but Beal’s massive contract halted that chase..After shipping Butler to the Golden State Warriors, Miami has an opening on the wing between star guard Tyler Herro and star big man Bam Adebayo.”
Beal could draw interest from multiple teams around the NBA. The Heat would undoubtedly face competition. However, he would be a strong addition to Erik Spoelstra’s roster. Miami needs an injection of three-level scoring talent. Beal is also a reliable playmaker.
With two seasons left on his contract, the Suns would likely need to stretch the remaining years of Beal’s contract. Doing so could allow other teams to secure the All-Star at a discounted rate. Damian Lillard is another example, having been waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks.
A Beal Buyout “Is Imminent”
According to Gerald Bourget, who covers the Phoenix Suns for PHNX, Beal’s potential buyout is now imminent. The St. Louis native is expected to give up some of his salary to help facilitate his move onto the free agency market.
“With a Bradley Beal buyout being imminent, per a source, I’m anticipating he gives up $13.9M of his remaining $110.8M, which would then clear the way for the Suns to waive-and-stretch the resulting $96.9M over 5 years and duck both tax aprons,” Bourguet reported on X on July 6.
Last season, Beal suited up for the Suns on 53 occasions. He ended the campaign with averages of 17 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, shooting 49.7% from the field and 38.6% from 3-point range.
Heat Could Look Toward DeMar DeRozan
Outside of a rumored interest in Beal, the Heat are also expected to pursue DeMar DeRozan if the Sacramento Kings make him available.
In a July 4 Bleacher Report article, Zach Buckley named the Heat as a potential destination for the veteran forward.
“DeRozan won’t hold the widest appeal, as he’s about to turn 36 and never added an outside shot to his arsenal,” Buckley wrote. “However, win-now shoppers seeking more half-court creation and scoring won’t find many better alternatives…Landing spot: Miami Heat.”
In 77 games, DeRozan averaged 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists. He shot 47.7% from the field and 32.8% from deep. DeRozan’s mid-range game would give Miami’s offense a new dimension. He’s the perfect addition to a roster that’s missing a multi-level scoring forward who can also guard on the perimeter.
Regardless of who the Heat target this summer, it’s clear they need some talent upgrades. Spoelstra’s roster was eliminated in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs. Failure to improve the current rotation will likely lead to a similar fate in 2026. Pat Riley is unlikely to sit by and allow the team to struggle for a second straight season.
Nevertheless, given Beal’s potential availability, he projects as a logical target for the Heat this summer.
