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Washington Wizards Rumors: Bradley Beal’s Injury and Chasing Ray Allen

By Michael Saenz

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May 15, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) walks off the court after the Wizards game against the Indiana Pacers in game six of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Pacers won 93-80, and won the series 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Wizards are in a bit of a bind with the recent loss of Bradley Beal + an update on Ray Allen

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The Washington Wizards are going to have to overcome the loss of starting shooting guard Bradley Beal with someone other than free agent option Ray Allen. At least, that’s the way things are shaping up.

According to CSN Washington, even though the Wizards are staying “hopeful” that the 39-year-old NBA legend will decide to take his talents to Washington, they know very well that the Cleveland Cavaliers remain the clear “front-runners” to land his services if he decides to return.

"[via Does Beal’s injury change calculus on Ray Allen? — CSN Washington]Coincidentally, I talked with a person close to him Friday who told me nothing has changed. The Wizards have contacted Allen’s representatives at Tandem Sports and Entertainment several times, both reported here. The prospect of being a starter again with Beal’s absence isn’t likely to make Washington any more enticing for Allen. He’ll soon be 40. Six teams have actually contacted his reps since he became an unrestricted free agent — the Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder and …. the Milwaukee Bucks. Yes, the latter is not a mistake. Allen spent the first six-plus seasons of his career in Milwaukee, and the franchise’s pitch was a chance to end things where they began. Creative and worth a shot? Yes. Did it work? No. The Wizards are still hopeful, but suffice to say the Cavs are the front-runners as GM David Griffin has been in contact as recently as a few days ago, CSNwashington.com can confirm. Still, nothing."

In addition, according to the Washington Wizards insider, the Wizards aren’t looking at trade options for replacing Beal either. Instead, the team will likely look to Glen Rice Jr, the MVP of the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, to fill-in during his absence. Trading for a band-aid fix would simply be an overreaction at this point — and that’s something that the Washington Wizards want to avoid doing.

"Will the Washington Wizards rush to make some sort of trade?No. Beal isn’t out for half of the season, and after talking with persons with knowledge of the situation, they aren’t going to make a knee-jerk reaction. They’re going to give the guys they have now a chance. And the truth is regarding free agency, there aren’t many quality free agents out there beyond Allen who are worthy of the risk. The Wizards are not going to lock themselves into anything with long-term consequences for what’s a short-term predicament with Beal. Allen could decide after the season starts and surveying the landscape where he wants to play. Or someone of quality who is not available now can be released or put on the market. Overreacting isn’t the best course of action."

Beal is expected to miss 6-8 weeks after he was diagnosed with a non-displaced fracture of the scaphoid bone in his left wrist.

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