For months now, Washington Wizards’ superstar Bradley Beal has been consistently involved in trade rumors. Multiple teams would love the services of the two-time All-Star.
Beal has been having a phenomenal performance this season. He is second in the league in points with 30.5 per game along with 4.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists. He is the main reason why the Wizards are in the ninth-seed in the East with a 24-40 record. He’s probably why they are one of the 22-teams that will compete in Orlando to finish the season.
The 27-year-old guard has been the only silver lining for Washington this season as his co-star, John Wall, is still recovering from his ruptured Achilles injury.
Despite signing a two-year, $72 million extension in October and going on record that he wants to stay in DC and continue playing with Wall, Beal’s name is still popping up in trade rumors.
“My biggest thing right now is that I want to play with John (Wall) again. I want to see him get back to that level where I know he can be, especially since my game has grown so much [while he’s been out]. What can we accomplish together? I’m so happy he’s healthy, working his tail off.” Beal said in an interview with ESPN.
So, what if the Wizards decided they will be trading Beal? The Ballers PH decided to list down the top three teams that would be perfect for Beal and has the trade assets to pull it off.
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS AN OPINION PIECE. THE TRADE DEALS THAT ARE USED IN THIS ARE MADE WITH THE ESPN NBA TRADE MACHINE.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
The Dallas Mavericks proved to be a force to be reckoned with out in the West. They secured the seventh-seed with a 40-27 record before the NBA shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Led by their two young superstars in Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, Dallas has proven that their young team can hold their own against the best teams in the league.
Despite their stellar performance, the reality is that the Mavericks are still a piece away from becoming a legitimate contender for the title and trading for Beal could be the key for their glory.
Sending a package of Dwight Powell, Maxi Kleber, Delon Wright and Seth Curry to Washington for Beal and Thomas Bryant would be ideal trade for both teams.
Dallas will have another veteran all-star that can play off-ball to pair with their young dynamic-duo. The Wizards on the other hand will acquire a good scorer in Curry and a productive point guard in Wright. They’d also acquire two decent big men in Powell and Kleber, especially with the possibility of losing Davis Bertans in free agency.
With the trio of Doncic-Beal-Porzingis, the chances of the NBA trophy making its return to Dallas, and shot at a mini-dynasty, become very real.
BROOKLYN NETS
The Brooklyn Nets surprised everyone during the off-season after signing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving during the free agency. That’s why it was no surprise that they were expected to have a strong campaign despite missing Durant due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Unfortunately, Brooklyn didn’t have the success they wanted and are currently sitting as the seventh-seed in the East with a 30-34 record. And with Irving sitting out the rest of the season, there’s a possibility that the Nets could even lose their playoff spot.
Fortunately, Brooklyn has room to improve and great trade assets. A deal revolving around Spencer Dinwiddie and Caris LaVert could land Beal to Brooklyn. Add DeAndre Jordan and Lance Thomas in exchange for Thomas Bryant. Throw in a draft pick in the mix to make it work in real life and the Nets could become the next dynasty in the league.
Washington on the other end will have a leg up in rebuilding with LaVert and Dinwiddie and two great trade assets in Jordan and Thomas. If they wanted to go on a full rebuild, they may also send John Wall out in another trade to acquire even more young talent and draft picks.
Beal’s ability to play without the ball would be a big factor if he is to play next to Irving and Durant. With that trio, it’s possible that the Nets could be a top contender for three to four years.
LA LAKERS
The LA Lakers are no question a heavy favorite to win it all. Why not? With the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, it’ll be a joke not to consider them as a real contender to win it all this season.
So far, the roster of the Lakers is already solid from starters to their bench. But as we’ve seen in the recent history of champions, a big three is needed in order to win it all.
From 2011-2019 only two teams won the championship and didn’t have the “Big 3” on the team. That’s the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and the defending champion Toronto Raptors.
So a package revolving around Kyle Kuzma and Alex Caruso along with some draft picks could be the perfect deal to give King James his closer on the team.
Beal has proven that he can create his own shots and come up big in crucial moments. It’s no secret that James loves to play with guys that can come up big in the clutch as he has played with guys like Irving and Dwyane Wade in the past.
If Beal does end up to Los Angeles, it’ll be simply a championship or bust situation for the Lakers.
