The Milwaukee Bucks need someone to replace Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal was a potential fix. However, recent developments show that the Phoenix Suns guard is heading somewhere else.
On Monday, NBC Sports reported that all signs point to Beal signing with the LA Clippers if he opts free agency. They arrived at this conclusion after the Clippers traded away Norman Powell, who carries similar traits to those of Beal.
All signs point to Bradley Beal signing with the Clippers if he reaches free agency, per @NBCSports
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 8, 2025
“Los Angeles trading away Norman Powell — a sharpshooting, ball-handling wing, a role the Clippers need filled next to James Harden — is seen as a precursor to the Beal signing,… pic.twitter.com/iVhdEfRdem
With Powell traded to the Miami Heat, it opens up a prime shooting-guard slot to pair with James Harden and Kawhi Leonard next season. Multiple outlets now report the path is clear for Beal to sign a buyout with the Suns and pivot to LA.
However, the Bucks can provide a more responsible spot for Beal, who played second fiddle in the Suns with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker taking most of the shots. Previously, with the Washington Wizards, Beal used to be a primary scorer. Thus, he may think of opting to go to the Bucks, where he could play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In case Beals indeed decides to sign with the Clippers, the Bucks can opt to sign Malcolm Brogdon. But he's a downgrade both in scoring upside and long-term durability when compared to Beal.
Last season, Beal played 53 games for the Suns, averaging 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals. However, when he used to be a primary scorer for the Wizards, he averaged around 23.0 ppg to even 31.0 ppg.
However, as of today, it seems the Clippers are the clear frontrunners in Beal's free agency.