Phoenix Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein finalized a $99 million buyout agreement with star client Bradley Beal, ending a monthslong saga that saw the Suns’ team president, Mat Ishbia, spend $620 million in salary and luxury taxes over two seasons. The move saved the Suns $175 million this season but will ultimately cost them $99 million.
After new head coach Jordan Ott presented Beal with a plan for how he could be used next season, Beal decided to move on from Phoenix if the opportunity presented itself. The Suns agreed to trade Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets in June, which led to Beal’s role being undefined at best. In July, the Clippers offered Beal a deal worth about $5.4 million this season, with a player option that will allow him to become a free agent again next summer.
Beal will join the Clippers alongside James Harden, who lobbied the team to chase Beal and then reached out to him directly. Harden’s efforts were successful in recruiting Beal into the deal. The trade brings in Jalen Green, whom the Suns believe will pair well with Devin Booker.
The buyout agreement was finalized as part of a broader roster-building strategy for the Suns. General manager Brian Gregory said the team brought in Green to further unlock his incredible upside. However, the move also leaves the Suns without their first-round draft pick through 2031, a position that could haunt them in the future.
In related news, Mark Bartelstein will celebrate Josh’s 36th birthday in Chicago on Thursday, and a huge Bartelstein family wedding is set to take place this weekend.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45758601/how-bradley-beal-phoenix-suns-finalized-their-contentious-divorce