Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal has emerged as the next big name on the trading block, as teams readjust their focus in the search for a playmaker following the completion of James Harden’s move to the Brooklyn Nets.
The rumours have come about as a result of his clear frustration at the Wizards inability to win games, as his league leading 34.8 points per game have proved helpless in the effort to salvage their poor start to the season.
Trade rumours surrounding Beal have heated up since he became the first player to lose 10 consecutive games when dropping 40-plus points.
His undesirable entry to the NBA’s record books came on January 28 when Beal posted 47 points against the New Orleans Pelicans, only for the Wizards to concede the game as they were wiped out 124-106.
However, the humiliating stat is just one aspect of what has been a dreadful start to the 2020-21 campaign for Beal and the Wizards. They currently possess a 5-13 record and are second-bottom of the Eastern Conference (as of February 5) – the third-worst record in the NBA (only the Detroit Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves are worse – both are 5-16).
Post-match, Beal told reporters: ‘It’s tough. We wanna win. I wanna win. This is why I stayed. I wanna win (here). I figure this is the place I can get it done.’
Following the Wizards recent form, new trade rumours have emerged, regarding the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, and as could be expected, the Miami Heat.
Despite his alleged eagerness to stay, it can only be wondered how much (or rather, how little) time the former Florida Gator has left in the nation’s capital.
With Beal’s dissatisfaction clear and his agitation at an all-time high in the final year of his contract, TIBS News takes a closer look at potential landing spots for the elite shooter.
Washington Wizards (NO TRADE)
Rating: 3/10
Beal has called Washington home since he was drafted in 2012, but it appears his time may be up. Wizards fans will be keen to keep him, as they lost John Wall to the Rockets in the Russell Westbrook trade (which so far has not turned out as they would have hoped), however a move seems in the best interest for both Beal and the organisation.
Just as many feared, Beal and Westbrook have not gelled. So far, Beal has simply received no help from his team-mates and he and Westbrook have not proven to be the elite duo that the Wizards will have hoped. It makes little sense for them to keep Beal around if they are unable to give him the support he needs in his final year under contract.
Instead, trading Beal to a top team looking for a sure thing – and in exchange for players which Washington can build around – makes more sense. The Wizards are unlikely to amount to much this season no matter what, so why not get what they can for Beal before he becomes a free agent next offseason?
Golden State Warriors
Trade Rating: 5/10
A brief hiatus from success due to injuries in 2019-20 saw the Warriors finish bottom of the West. However, while Stephen Curry has returned to impeccable form after a year out, the absence of Klay Thompson is clearly hurting them, as they sit 7th in the West with a 12-10 record.
Though a number of Warriors players – most notably Kelly Oubre Jr. – have been rumoured to be on the trade block, reports have circulated that Curry could be too if and when Beal demands a trade. However, even if the Warriors were to give up the two-MVP, then Beal would find himself in a similar situation to being in Washington – with Thompson out for the season. Curry is arguably the NBA’s greatest-ever shooter and he struggles to lead the Warriors to victories at present.
However, if the unthinkable were to happen and the Warriors sacrificed the star to whom they accredit their success it could allow Golden State to rebuild and continue their dynasty.
Miami Heat
Trade Rating: 7/10
This off-season Beal was connected with the reigning Eastern Conference champions the Miami Heat in a trade package which was speculated to send Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson to DC – with the trade in the minds of Heat fans ever since.
Though Herro and Robinson have proven themselves to be young talents of great value, Robinson in particular has become known as one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA, the deal may be difficult for the Heat to turn down.
Miami has been plagued with a form-killing combination of injuries and illnesses this season with stars Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Goran Dragic all missing games so far. Adding Beal could easily give Miami the support they need in their absence. Plus forming an elite big three of Butler, Bam Adebayo and Beal could be enough to compete with other trios around the league but at the expense of their roster depth.
It will come at a high price as the Wizards would no doubt take advantage of the young talent Miami possesses but Miami may feel that a trade for Beal is worth it if it means they return to wreaking havoc as they did last season.
Denver Nuggets
Trade Rating: 8/10
After last season saw the Nuggets finish third in the West, they currently sit in fourth behind the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers. However, while their position in the table looks good as they currently sit at 12-9 – less impressive than the Jazz’s 17-5 record.
This sums up the Nuggets right now – a team which will undoubtedly have a great run and make the play-offs but seem to lack the ability to contend with those above them in the long run, never mind their Eastern counterparts.
With a trade for Beal, Denver can close the gap and keep the favourites uncomfortable by tightening it up at the top. However, the issue of what they have to offer in return is a big one. As a team that has had a great season so far, and chemistry they cannot afford to sacrifice, the Nuggets look set to offer draft picks – unlike other teams with stars to offer. In this situation, the Wizards will have to decide proven players or potential stars of the future?
Philadelphia 76ers
Trade Rating: 9/10
The Philadelphia 76ers are already off to a fantastic start this season, sitting top of the Eastern Conference with a 16-7 record. But that spot is far from a sure thing just 23 games in with the Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics hot on their heels.
The 76ers were one of the teams named as a preferred destination by James Harden prior to his move to Brooklyn and Philly shared the interest, offering up Ben Simmons – suggesting he may still be on the trade block.
While Joel Embiid and Simmons have long had their problems in ‘the City of Brotherly Love’, they seem to be more than working past it now. However, for Philly; the opportunity to give up a long-term problem for a significantly better shooter and team-mate may appear too good to pass up. It would also no doubt confirm the 76ers as permanent contenders in the East.
