All indication is that Bradley Beal wants to stay with the Washington Wizards. Despite their struggles this season, the sharpshooting guard has not let any signs of disloyalty slip, and the Wizards don’t appear to be making plans to move him.
But, behind the scenes, it might be a different story.
According to NBA Insider Landon Buford, Beal and the Pels are actually plotting his escape, with intentions of keeping his trade value at a maximum. Even more shocking is which team is reportedly at the top of Beal’s trade destination list: the New Orleans Pelicans.
Earlier tonight, I spoke to a league source, and the source shared that the Pelicans are on top of the list of Beal’s desired teams.
When asked why he and his representatives are saying, he does not want to be traded?
“Beal is saying the right things and working with the FO in an effort to extract maximum value. Beal’s desired teams include the Pelicans, Mavs, Heat, and the LA teams,” the source told me.
Pelicans are on top of the list of Bradley Beal's desired teams.
Beal is saying the right things and working with the FO, in effort to extract maximum value.
Beal's desired teams include the Pelicans, Mavs, Heat, & the LA teams, per a league source. #DCAboveAll #WontBowDown
— Landon Buford (@LandonBuford) February 4, 2021
The Pelicans aren’t exactly in a winning position right now, but it’s not hard to see why Beal would be attracted there. With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pels have a talented core with loads of potential. As a premier shooter and talented scorer, the 27-year-old would be a solid fit with the team.
Of course, it remains to be seen if the Pelicans are willing to pay the price to get him. While it is no secret that New Orleans is looking for trade partners for JJ Redick and Lonzo Ball, it’ll likely take more than that to get Beal.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens as the NBA’s trade deadline inches closer.
