Bradley Beal is one of the best shooting guards in the league when he’s healthy. He is an amazing high-volume scorer, even though he has focused heavily on playmaking for others this season.
There have long been rumors of a Bradley Beal trade, and one of the teams that he has been linked to is the Philadelphia 76ers. Prior to the James Harden trade, a Bradley Beal deal would make sense, as the Philadelphia 76ers needed a consistent secondary scorer behind Joel Embiid.
It seems as though getting Bradley Beal was the desire of franchise superstar Joel Embiid. Bill Simmons of The Ringer has recently reported that “Embiid really wanted Beal” and added that Embiid wanted Beal even after the latter needed to get season-ending surgery. Joseph Zucker of Bleacher Report relayed the news.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons reported Thursday on his podcast that Embiid “really wanted” Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal “and was pushing really hard for it.”
“Part of the reason the trade stuff took so long was because there was the Sixers side that wanted Harden—obviously Daryl [Morey], because Harden is his guy,” Simmons said at the 42-minute mark. “But Embiid really wanted Beal because he felt like he was a better fit and was pushing, pushing, pushing.”
Simmons also reported that Embiid was angling to land Beal even after the three-time All-Star suffered a wrist injury that eventually required season-ending surgery
Though Joel Embiid might have wanted Bradley Beal, James Harden is definitely a good co-star for him. The two could form a fantastic duo, and there’s no doubt that the Philadelphia 76ers are now a true contender with the acquisition.
Hopefully, we see Joel Embiid win a championship during his career. As of now, he has a very good roster around him, and perhaps he’ll be able to make a deep playoff run this year.
