NBA Trade Rumors: Bradley Beal’s agent shuts down speculation – again
NBA Trade Rumors: Bradley Beal’s agent shuts down trade speculation
A few days ago, Bradley Beal trade speculation began to emerge once again. While before it was originally shut down by the all-star signing an extension with the Washington Wizards, it resurfaced after a report leaked that the Brooklyn Nets had internal discussions about possibly making a run at trading for Beal during the offseason.
It all stems from an original report that suggested the Nets would be shopping for a third star this offseason. Since John Wall’s injury, Beal has seen his name in and out of trade rumor speculation. Though, he’s never truly indicated that he wants out of Washington.
Nevertheless, in today’s NBA climate, the way of the transaction is always going to fuel the news cycle. However, Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, is doing what he can to quiet down the whispers.
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"[via Forbes]“There are no Beal Sweepstakes and that’s why he re-signed with the Wizards,” agent Mark Bartelstein said Friday by phone.“Brad re-signed with the Wizards because he wanted to stay in Washington and the Wizards wanted to keep him there.”"
After signing an extension with the Wizards last offseason, Beal is under contract with the Wizards for at least the next two seasons and will have a near $40 million player option for the 2022-23 season (it’s hard to see him declining that).
In short, Beal doesn’t really have much leverage here even if he wanted a trade. He could’ve tested free agency in 2021, but instead decided to sign a contract extension with the Wizards.
If his contract situation isn’t clear, Bartelstein is trying to do so. There will not be a bidding war for Beal this offseason, and possibly not for a while. Maybe the Wizards want to trade him during his final season in 2022? Who knows.
At least for the time being, Beal will not be moved. At least that’s the message that Beal’s camp and the Wizards are trying to get out.
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With that said, don’t forget how quickly things can change in the NBA. I still can’t see a situation in which Bradley Beal is traded in the not-so-distant future. He just signed an extension with the Wizards and almost has no leg to stand on should he demand a trade.