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

By Thomas J. Brown

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)
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) Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Wizards trade Scenario #1: Bradley Beal to the Pelicans

This past off-season. Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards and Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans each signed max contracts to remain with their respective franchises. Beal, being the more tenured of the two, is expected to earn $46.7 million dollars next season compared to $33.5 million dollars for Williamson.

Entering the 2023 campaign, the Wizards are fully expected to qualify for the playoffs. New Orleans on the other hand, not only expected to make the playoffs, they anticipated being one of the higher seeds in the Western Conference and having a shot at making it to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately for both squads, they each fell short of those goals and will be in the annual draft lottery for teams that did not make the postseason.

While both front offices have publicly stated that they fully support their current franchise player, privately it may be time for a change for each franchise. Beal has played eleven seasons with Washington and is yet to appear in the Eastern Conference Finals. Williamson has been plagued by the injury bug throughout his four-year tenure in New Orleans. A change of scenery may be good for both players.

In order to get Washington to take a chance on Williamson’s health, New Orleans may have to add in a veteran like Larry Nance Jr. and maybe even a few future draft picks. Either way, the message would be clear: Brandon Ingram is now the franchise player and Bradley Beal and C.J. McCollum will be expected to help the team win now! Meanwhile, Washington would be acquiring a 22-year-old who has already made one All-Star game appearance and has the potential to be a superstar.

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Bradley Beal has been the consummate professional throughout his NBA career. Although he has stated he wants to spend his entire career in Washington, it may be time for a restart in a different city. There are a number of teams that would be more than happy to acquire Beal’s services. For the right package, the Wizards may be enticed to make the difficult decision to trade away their franchise player and take the team in a different direction.

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