Few teams have had as good of an offseason as the Denver Nuggets. They traded for Cam Johnson and added Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas while still having enough to add another impact player.
That could be Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal. Beal has become the scapegoat for the failed Suns super team, and while he deserves some blame, he could thrive in a smaller role on a better team.
That could soon happen with the Suns and Beal reportedly negotiating a buyout of his $110 million in remaining salary. If and when he becomes available, the Nuggets should make a run at him.
I know Bradley Beal has become a bit of a joke lately, but if someone can get him for the freaking mid-level exception after a buyout, I think that’s still tremendous value.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) June 22, 2025
They still have the full mid-level exception to offer. And depending on whether Valanciunas opts to receive a buyout, Beal could receive most of if. If so, then the Nuggets should be interested.
The Denver Nuggets should be first in line for Bradley Beal
The Kevin Durant trade was surprisingly good for the Suns, who got their own pick back from the Rockets they traded away in the deal that got them Durant in the first place. They also get two starters, plus picks to refill their draft war chest.
The Suns have all the incentive in the world to get rid of Beal. The Suns added Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th pick, and Kharam Maluach. They also landed Mark Williams, giving them a new look around Devin Booker.
With their new additions, the Suns must double down on trading or even waiving Beal. His remaining contract has handcuffed the Suns, but if they can get saved from having to pay out a big chunk of his remaining $113 million, then they should.
The Nuggets might not be Beal's first choice, with the Miami Heat also potentially being a landing spot. The Nuggets could use more scoring punch, specifically 3-point shooting, and he averaged 17 points and shot an impressive 38.6% from three on five attempts per game.
He wouldn't have nearly as big of a role, but he could rehab his value by playing a key role on a great team. If Denver can promise him a sizeable role, then he could be open to joining them.
All told, the Nuggets have successfully remade their roster but may not be done. If Beal is bought out, Denver should try to scoop him up to give them more firepower off the bench.