This is one of the first times that a possible Beal trade has escalated to the point that it could truly be on the table. There’s one big caveat in all of this, however, which is the fact that Beal has a no-trade clause in his five-year, $251 million max contract.
To go one step further, CBS Sports detailed that Beal not only can control where he goes but also what type of package an opposing team would need to give up in order to acquire him. This obviously adds another layer to any interest teams may have in Beal, but there are certain to be solid offers brought to the table at some point this offseason.
Three potential Bradley Beal trade suitors
San Antonio Spurs
The idea of the Spurs landing Beal via trade as they’re set to draft elite NBA draft prospect Victor Wembanyama has “end of a rebuild” written all over it. Beal and Wembanyama would be fun to watch on the floor together, and the current Wizards star would likely have no problem taking on a mentor-type of role in the process.
In order to make this happen, it would involve some contracts that aren’t incredibly appealing for the Wizards, but there are some selling points. A trade that involves Beal to San Antonio for Keldon Johnson, Devonte Graham and Doug McDermott could work. Johnson would be the main selling point, but the scoring and playmaking ability of Graham shouldn’t be understated.
Atlanta Hawks
Bradley Beal for Trae Young? It works on paper, and with the Hawks seemingly open to dealing Young, this could be worth monitoring. It would be interesting to see what it would take for the Hawks to make a deal happen. The bigger question could be if Atlanta has the pieces or can make a move or two to add the pieces that would lead to Beal waiving his no-trade clause.
There’s certainly appeal to the Hawks’ roster, but when comparing it to the idea of playing with Wembanyama and having Gregg Popovich as your coach, the option comes in as a clear No. 2.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks took a big step forward this season. If Beal were able to step in and add even more firepower next to Jalen Brunson, the storied franchise could look legitimately scary. Knicks fans seem to be fed up with Julius Randle at this moment, so moving him with Immanuel Quickley and adding on Evan Fournier’s contract as a starting point could entice the Wizards.
Beyond that, the core of what the Knicks would still have there is strong. They could opt to shift around the deal a bit and include RJ Barrett instead of Quickley or possibly Randle, but it’s interesting to note the different options on the table for the Knicks.
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