When you talk about the word ‘loyalty’ in the NBA, Wizards star Bradley Beal is going to be among the first names mentioned. For better or worse, Beal has stuck around in D.C., with the Wizards, despite a lack of playoff success since being drafted back in 2012. But now, there is a sense that’s about to change.
According to ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, Beal is expected to be a hot name in the trade market this summer as the Wizards move towards a complete rebuild. As Windy pointed out, Beal does have a no-trade clause, but he can waive it for any deal he wants to go through.
“Beal has a unique contract unlike anybody else’s in the NBA,” Brian Windhorst said on ESPN’s “Get Up.” “He has a no-trade clause, which means not only can he decide if he wants to leave the Wizards, but he can decide who and what he is traded for. It makes it extremely difficult to find a deal, and Michael Winger has said he has not made up his mind yet, but that indecision has led teams to keep a very close eye on the Wizards as they not only have Beal but big free agents Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis.”
Beal, 29, is not considered an MVP-caliber player, but he can still elevate the ceiling of any championship-hopeful team. In 50 games with the Wizards this season, he averaged 23.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game on 50% shooting.
Sadly, the Wizards still finished on the outside of the play-in bracket.
76ers Are Heavy Favorites To Land Beal
If Beal were to be shopped this summer, it would make sense for a team like the Philadelphia 76ers to make a heavy pursuit. As they look to re-tool around Joel Embiid, Bradley Beal is seemingly the perfect pairing with his skills as a shooter and ball handler.
“My odds on favorite is Philadelphia and I don’t even think it’s close,” said Bill Simmons. “Beal and Embiid, they’re friends. Embiid was trying to get him two years ago, which I kept telling people on this podcast. They ended up going with Harden instead, Embiid was pushing hard for Beal. Harden is going to leave.”
Love him or hate him, Beal is one of the game’s top perimeter players, and he could make a real difference in the right situation.
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