Suns exploring $66 million record breaking contract decision for Florida legend Bradley Beal

The Phoenix Suns appear to be blowing up their roster, especially after offloading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets following a disastrous season that ended just a few months ago. The Suns are looking to shed massive salary cap hits, and it likely won’t stop with Durant.

Durant reportedly expected a move to the Rockets, and with that deal finalized, the Suns are now turning their attention to Bradley Beal. A trade seems to be the most likely path forward.

“The Suns could look to deal Green or Brooks as a follow-up move considering their dire salary cap situation and the fact that they missed the playoffs last season. Though regardless of the team's position/eventual moves involving Green and Brooks, one thing is clear -- three-time All-Star Bradley Beal remains firmly on the trade block,” Athlon Sports’ Max Dible wrote.

While Beal is a trade candidate, it’s important to note that he holds a no-trade clause, meaning he can veto any deal he doesn’t approve. If a trade can’t be arranged, a buyout is a possible alternative.

“The Bulls are a potential landing spot for Bradley Beal as the Suns actively explore avenues to part ways with the 3x All-Star. Beal does have a no-trade clause in his contract, but Phoenix is reportedly preparing to offload the veteran guard whether that’s through trade or a record-breaking buyout this offseason,” NBA writer Jake Weinbach wrote.

Weinbach noted that a potential buyout would be historic. Based on current figures, Beal could receive up to $66 million just to walk away without ever suiting up for the Suns again.

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“If Beal takes the $66 million buyout of his $110.8 million contract, the cap hit would not occur in just one year. It would hit for the next two,” Bright Side of the Suns’ John Voita wrote.

If the buyout does indeed reach $66 million, it would shatter the previous record by a wide margin. Beal’s stint in Phoenix didn’t go as planned. He arrived with championship hopes, but that dream will not come to fruition.