The Golden State Warriors have been one of the quieter teams this offseason, making few waves in the way of veteran additions. That could change with Bradley Beal, who has the Warriors on his short list of desired landing spots, and the interest is indeed mutual.
Beal is expected to be waived by the Phoenix Suns. They will spread out the remainder of his five-year, $251 million contract via the stretch provision. Beal will be an unrestricted free agent.
If and when that happens, the Warriors have joined the list of “confirmed” suitors for Beal.
“Yesterday we reported that the Clippers, Lakers, Bucks and Wolves were confirmed suitors for Bradley Beal,” Fischer posted on X on July 8. “I’m told that the Warriors also should be added to the list.”
Beal is the latest expected departure from the Suns, who traded former Warriors star Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets.
Notably, the Warriors have also been linked to Beal’s long-time friend, Damian Lillard.
Warriors Among Dwindling List of Suitors for Bradley Beal
Beal’s interest in the Warriors emerged one day ahead of Golden State having theirs confirmed, corroborating previous reports.
“One week removed from the start of NBA free agency, most of the league is without cap space or the necessary exceptions it would take to give Beal that much money on a two-year contract,” The Athletic’s Fred Katz wrote on July 7. “Various organizations Beal could consider can’t give him that much, either. According to a league source, the list of teams Beal has thought about includes the LA Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks.”
PHNX Sports’ Gerald Bourguet posted on July 6 that Beal’s buyout was “imminent.”
The Clippers, in particular, have emerged as arguably the Warriors’ top competition for Beal following their trade with the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz sent Norman Powell to South Beach, seemingly clearing a path for the Suns star following his release.
Beal averaged 17.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 38.6% from beyond the arc during the 2024-25 regular season.
Bradley Beal Comes With Big Red Flag
Adding Beal would mean the Warriors are relying on four stars. However, all of them are in the latter stages of their careers. Beal, 32, is the youngest of the bunch. Draymond Green and Stephen Curry turned 35 and 37, respectively, in March.
Jimmy Butler turns 36 in September.
Curry is the only one of the four who made at least 70 appearances. Green was close at 68 games played, but Butler (55 games) and Beal (53 games) were both under 60 appearances.
Lillard turns 35 in July and played in 58 games last season. The qualifying mark for season-long awards is 65 games. The Warriors gauge their success by the postseason. It is more difficult to get there, and in a favorable position no less, without your best players on the floor consistently.
