Just when one thinks NBA trade rumors are done with the trade deadline gone, in comes the Bradley Beal situation. The Washington Wizards’ All-Star shooting guard has found himself in a predicament with his current situation. Beal signed a two-year contract extension with the Wizards worth $72 million this year. As a result, Beal was ineligible to be traded this season, but this coming summer could tell a different tale.
The Wizards are a team in need of a serious rebuild. Plus, it has been heavily implied that Beal is unhappy with the squad’s losing ways. As of February 25, he is averaging totals of 30.1 points, 6.0 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and a true shooting percentage of 57.8% per game. Not to mention, Beal just had back-to-back 50-point games (both career-highs). Unfortunately for Beal, it has not been translating to winning for Washington. With this in mind, it’s time to look at which teams would fit the All-Star shooting guard the best if he is to be traded this summer.
Bradley Beal Destination #1: Miami Heat
The Heat have been one of the biggest surprises this season with a promising young core and a new star in Jimmy Butler. With this in mind, it may be worth it for them to trade some assets away to get a solid co-star to pair with Butler in the backcourt. Butler can easily play both the two and the three spots. As a result, getting Beal to start with Butler would not be a problem. Adding a high-volume scorer to the Heat would take some much-needed pressure off of Butler and rising star, Bam Adebayo. The addition of Beal would instantly make the Heat a contender not just in the Eastern Conference, but the entire NBA.
Bradley Beal Destination #2: Boston Celtics
A backcourt consisting of Kemba Walker and Bradley Beal would be exciting, don’t you think? Jaylen Brown is going to cost a hefty amount for the Celtics, so it may be worth moving him before the team loses the up-and-coming wing for nothing. Beal would add even more explosiveness and playmaking ability in an already-talented perimeter with the likes of Kemba Walker and Jayson Tatum. Yes, the Celtics would have to give up some assets and project-players to land the Wizards All-Star. However, with how close they are to becoming serious contenders for a title, the time is now (or as soon as this summer) for the Celtics to make a move.
Destination #1: Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are already extremely close to a title. However, it seems like they just need one more piece before they complete the process. Beal would be the perfect All-Star to compliment Nikola Jokic. Jokic is one of, if not, the best passer in the league. He is also making his case for being a top-five player in the league. Not to mention, it would open up more offensive schemes which could move combo guard, Jamal Murray, around, keeping opposing defences honest.
The Nuggets would finally get some much needed three-point scoring in their starting backcourt. They have the assets to pull off a trade with quality role players. Players such as Gary Harris, Torrey Craig, Mason Plumlee, and Monte Morris could go in a move for Beal. The Nuggets would possess a big-three with the likes of Murray, Beal, and of course Jokic. That could be a grouping which would be one of the most intriguing star trios in the league. It could also be enough to get the Nuggets and Beal what they really want – an NBA title.
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