The Miami Heat have been unfortunate in their recent star pursuits, but they are on the verge of catching a tremendous break with Bradley Beal.
Beal is currently in Year 4 of a five-year, $251 million contract with the Phoenix Suns. However, that is expected to change soon. And when it does, the Heat are expected to be among the teams that register an interest in the three-time All-Star and one-time All-NBA pick.
If they are, the Heat could land Beal at a significant discount, making him a bargain.
“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,” PHNX Suns’ Gerald Bourguet reported on X on July 6.
Beal averaged 17.0 points on 57.1% eFG, with 3.7 assists and 3.3 rebounds. He also shot 38.6% from beyond the arc and has experience working on and off the ball.
That could make Beal a strong fit for the Heat alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
Heat’s Interest in Damian Lillard Could Bode Well for Bradley Beal
GettyDamian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns hug after a game.
There would be defensive questions in a backcourt featuring Beal and Herro. The Heat’s rumored continued interest in former Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard, per the Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds in June, could bode well for the soon-to-be free agent.
Lillard is expected to miss much, if not all, of the 2025-26 season recovering from a torn Achilles. He suffered the injury in the first round of the 2025 playoffs against the Indiana Pacers.
He also wants to rehab in Portland, as he has been, with the Bucks waiving and stretching him.
Beal’s lack of availability is comparable to Lillard’s, short of the Achilles injury. Moreover, Lillard has made more appearances over the past five seasons than Beal has.
“At least five teams are expected to show free agent interest in Bradley Beal, once he officially becomes available later this week,” Forbes’ Evan Sidery reported on X on July 6, naming the Heat among the group. “As a pure scorer at a significantly cheaper annual salary, Beal’s market among contenders will be robust.”
Bradley Beal Expected to Draw Major Interest
GettyBradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns controls the ball against the Miami Heat.
The Heat would not be alone in any potential pursuit of Beal. The Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Lakers are expected to show interest, per Sidery.
“Bradley Beal is actively exploring his options with other teams in anticipation of a Suns buyout, league sources tell @TheSteinLine,” The Stein Line’s Marc Stein reported on X on July 6. “There will be considerable interest in Beal once he becomes an unrestricted free agent.”
The Heat still have access to the $14.1 million non-taxpayers mid-level exception, per Spotrac.
Beal could make more sense on a short-term deal for the Heat. They would have to wait out Lillard’s decision, only to have to wait for him to return to the floor during the season if at all.
Miami also benefits from no state income tax, which the other rumored suitors cannot boast.
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