Wizards: 5 Teams that should trade for Bradley Beal this summer

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 13: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Ball Arena on December 13, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images) /

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Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) /

Trade Scenario #3: Bradley Beal to the Jazz

The Utah Jazz started the 2023 season off as one of the hottest teams in the NBA. Their talented 25-year-old forward, Lauri Markkanen, blossomed into an All-Star, and Salt Lake City even got to host the festivities.

However, things soured quickly after the All-Star break for the Jazz. The team finished the season eight games under .500 and failed to qualify for the play-in tournament. With that being said, Utah may be looking to shake things up heading into next season in order to end their postseason drought. While Markkanen has earned the right to be untouchable in trade discussions, the rest of the roster is most likely up for grabs.

Bradley Beal’s ability to create his own shot and explode for 40 points or more on any given night could make him a great partner in crime for a player like Markkanen. If the Washington Wizards and the Utah Jazz were to discuss a deal for him, Utah would have to be willing to give up players who could contribute right away. Jordan Clarkson has improved his game tremendously over the last few seasons, and at 30 years old, he still has a lot of highly productive years remaining in his career.

However, Beal’s expected salary of $46.7 million dollars next season dwarfs Clarkson’s anticipated earnings of $14.2 million. In order to make the numbers work, the Jazz will most likely have to part ways with Collin Sexton and Talen Horton-Tucker. Sexton and Horton-Tucker are both productive role players and they are relatively young, so Washington would welcome them with open arms. This scenario also allows Utah to retain the services of Ochai Agbaji, who is only 22 years old and had the potential to be a future All-Star in his own right.

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