NBA Trade Rumors: 7 stars who could request a trade next
By Kyle McKee
NBA stars that could request a trade next: Bradley Beal
The next most talked about “star on the move” has been Bradley Beal. I find Beal’s situation to be similar to Dame’s but with Beal being a little more likely to request out of Washington.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Bill Oram, Shams Charania, and Sam Amick, Russell Westbrook tried to convince Beal to demand a trade. But, as we know now, Beal never did request out of Washington.
Similar to Dame, Beal isn’t afraid to tell it how it is. Just watch his latest press conference at Wizards media day to hear his thoughts on why he’s not vaccinated and you’ll get what I mean. In all seriousness though, throughout his time with the Wizards Beal has given ZERO indication of wanting out.
I think some fans may hear that and think that’s ridiculous. It goes to this “ring-chasing” culture that the media and fans have built in today’s sports world. It’s important to understand that not everyone is a “ring-chaser”.” In fact, most guys are just trying to make as much money as possible.
Look at it this way — if you were Bradley Beal — would you rather stay with Washington, sign a supermax deal worth over $200 million, be the best player for an on the fridge playoff team, put up monster numbers and finish the season around April/May; allowing for more offseason fun. Or go to a championship-contending team, play second or third fiddle resulting in getting fewer shots, have a crazy amount of pressure on your shoulders, and play until late June? Oh, and also make less money? Oh, and if you don’t win, fans and media members will just trash you all summer long. I think most people would take being the best player on the team and making more money but that’s just me.
Having said all of that, the only reason I see Beal more likely to leave than Lilliard is because of just how bad the Wizards project to be. The Blazers are a consistent playoff team whereas the Wizards are always on the brick of the playoffs. That’s pretty much it though. Like I mentioned earlier, Beal has given NO indication of wanting out of D.C.