Top 5 Bradley Beal Trade Destinations (1 Team “Above The Rest”)
He's been saying for years that he wants to win in DC. But finally this summer, it appears that Bradley Beal may be on the move, as his agents and the Washington Wizards are working together to find a trade to his liking IF the Wiz move into a rebuild phase (hint: all signs are pointing in that direction).
So what are the most likely landing spots for Beal? Keep in mind he has a full no-trade clause in his supermax contract. That bloated deal still has $200M+ and four years remaining, making any trades challenging at best.
Here are five of the top potential trade destinations for the three-time All-Star.
Miami Heat
This is where the trade talk starts when it comes to Beal, according to the reports.
The Miami Heat are ‘above the rest of the league’ for Bradley Beal’s preferred landing spot, per @FredKatz
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 15, 2023
“Bradley Beal has had an eye on the Miami Heat for years.” pic.twitter.com/g1mfW2qoQC
NBA Insider Fred Katz says the Heat are "above the rest of the league" as Beal's preferred landing spot. “Bradley Beal has had an eye on the Miami Heat for years.”
The Heat could certainly use some more offense, as that was inevitably their downfall in their failed bid to upend the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals. In the regular season, Miami finished 25th in the league in offensive rating.
Beal has averaged 22.1 points in his 11-year career, including two seasons of 30+ PPG (in 2019-20 and 2020-21).
Milwaukee Bucks
Another team ready to make another championship run, the Bucks "are expected to be prominent suitors for Beal if he reaches the market," according to Insider Shams Charania. With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and (if he's re-signed, as expected) Khris Middleton already in tow, Beal would make the Bucks a solid favorite in the East.
New York Knicks
Another team that has thrown their hat in the ring if the pursuit of Beal hits a fever pitch. The Knicks have a plethora of assets to offer, both young players and draft picks. The pure scorer would fit nicely in the backcourt next to lead guard Jalen Brunson. "New York’s front office has already let necessary people know the team would be interested in the former All-NBA guard if he were to become available," writes Katz.
Golden State Warriors
According to Katz, this is another team that's intrigued Beal.
"The Warriors appealed to him in the past, according to sources," wrote Katz on Thursday in The Athletic. "Throughout his short stint with Team USA in 2021, Draymond Green made sure to remind him (you may be surprised, more than once) of what joining a many-times champion could do for him."
The Dubs are expected to bring back the core of the team for another run at a championship. But with an already heavy luxury tax burden, the team would have to do some salary cap wizardry (excuse the pun) to bring in Beal and his massive contract.
Sacramento Kings
This is the latest surprise contender to enter the Beal sweepstakes.
Another team that’s had Bradley Beal trade talks with the Wizards: The Kings, sources tell me and @sam_amick. It’s believed Beal would consider Sacramento given his no-trade clause, but right now there does not appear a clear pathway for the two sides.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2023
Charania says the Kings have already had some talks with the Wizards, and that Beal would consider Sacramento.
The Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics, two other teams that have been mentioned in the rumor mill, have seemingly given indications that they aren't interested in adding Beal.
Photo: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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