The Miami Heat had significant discussions with the Phoenix Suns about acquiring shooting guard Bradley Beal before the trade talks “ultimately collapsed,” according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Beal, 32, is coming off a season in which he averaged 17.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 53 games, 38 of which were starts.
The three-time All-Star, who signed a hefty five-year, $251 million contract with the Washington Wizards in 2021, is owed $53.7 million in 2025-26, with a $57.1 million player option for 2026-2027, according to Spotrac.
According to the Stein Line, the Suns are considering buying out the balance of Beal’s contract, indicating a major move in free agency this summer.
If the Suns decide to buy out Beal’s contract, the Heat have been connected to the former Florida Gator star.
The Heat, who recently signed Italian sharpshooter Simone Fontecchio in a sign-and-trade deal that sent Duncan Robinson packing, can surely right the ship by signing one of the game’s most accomplished scorers in Beal.
Pat Riley, who Bill Simmons praised for his recent efforts, is a president known for making bold moves that attract top talent to South Beach.
With Beal’s deal likely to be bought out, this could be Riley’s opportunity to make a big move this offseason and silence the detractors.
Obtaining star power will be critical for a Miami Heat squad aiming to return to the Eastern Conference after trading Jimmy Butler and being swept in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
As the negotiations between Beal and the Suns continue, all eyes will be on Riley and the Heat to see whether they can seize the opportunity to acquire such a talent when it becomes available.
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