NBA Trade Rumors: A Bradley Beal trade could be on the horizon for the Washington Wizards.
Stuck in mediocrity over the past few seasons, a fresh leader and new direction were likely needed for the Washington Wizards. That said, it would’ve been foolish to think that the Wizards were going to completely reset the roster this soon. And while that may not end up being the case, perhaps that total rebuild may not be that far off.
According to a recent report (subscription required), there’s an expectation around the league that the Wizards could either enter a rebuild this offseason or within the next year. Connecting the dots, that means that a Beal trade could be on the horizon for the Wizards.
The Washington Wizards could throw a curve ball at the start of the offseason
If that is indeed so, it could completely turn the tide of what to expect from Washington at the 2023 NBA Draft and when free agency opens.
Heading into the draft, if the Wizards are open to trading Beal, it could open a plethora of potential outcomes for Washington. If they allow a bidding war on draft night, Washington could completely steal the draft thunder from the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama.
And if the Wizards do explore this “rebuild,” it completely changes the outlook for both Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma heading into free agency.
It was reported just a few months ago that the Wizards had planned to re-sign both Kristaps and Kuzma. Now under new management, it’s not that surprising that perhaps those plans have changed, but it will certainly add another somewhat unexpected wrinkle to the offseason.
Objectively speaking, it’s probably in the best interest of the Wizards to start a rebuild. This core has gone nowhere fast and the Wizards as a whole have missed the postseason four out of the last five seasons.
If the Wizards are going to trade Beal, now would be the time to do so. Two out of the team’s three top players are slated to hit free agency and it would make little sense to pay those players the big-money deals that they’re going to command, especially considering there’s little reason to believe why this trio could lead the Wizards to anything more than just a first-round playoff exit (if that).
If the Wizards end up blowing up their roster this offseason, it will only add to the impending action that awaits the NBA in a matter of a few weeks. Buckle up.