Bradley Beal Trade Rumors: Wizards Star 'Highly Unlikely' to Be Moved by NBA Deadline
Feb 4, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 25: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the LA Clippers at Capital One Arena on January 25, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Washington Wizards shooting guard
Bradley Beal is reportedly "highly unlikely" to get dealt before
the 2022 trade deadline on Thursday.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported Friday (via HoopsHype) the only way Beal's status changes is if he "goes to management and
requests to be traded," which hasn't happened.
Beal is no stranger to trade rumors
after being the focus of pretty consistent speculation in recent
years, but he's always pushed aside talk about a potential move.
That continued in November when he told
Ava Wallace of the Washington Post he didn't spend much time worrying
about the future. He can opt out of his two-year, $70.1 million
contract to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end or
exercise a player option for 2022-23.
"There are situations where it can
loom over your head like, oh, damn, what am I going to do, where am I
going to go, who am I going to sign with?" Beal said. "I don't
think I have that problem. I'm here. This is what I'm making. I'm
making a lot of money, and I'm comfortable with doing that, and I
could stop today and be good [financially]."
The 28-year-old University of Florida
product did tell Wizards governor Ted Leonsis he wants the ability to
challenge for title contention on an annual basis, though.
"I'm not sitting here and saying
we're going to hold up the Larry [O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy],
but I want to be able to have those opportunities. I want to be able
to see that that's reachable," Beal told Wallace.
Washington isn't at that level. It sits 11th in the Eastern Conference with a
24-27 record, which is one game behind the Atlanta Hawks for the
final spot in the play-in tournament.
Beal's desire for playoff basketball
combined with his ability to opt out in the offseason could put
pressure on the front office to acquire some roster upgrades before
the deadline.
The Wizards obviously need to have some
level of confidence the three-time All-Star is going to stick with
the franchise behind this season because they can't afford to lose him
to free agency.
So, at least in that regard, it's a
promising sign he's not being heavily discussed heading into the
deadline and isn't expected to move.
That said, Washington has some work to
do to get to the level Beal expects on an annual basis.
Ben Simmons Rumors: 76ers Won't Include Tyrese Maxey in Trade for Bradley Beal
Feb 2, 2022
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
The Philadelphia 76ers reportedly don't want to part with additional pieces in a potential swap of guard Ben Simmons for Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal.
According to David Aldridge and Josh Robbins of The Athletic, the Sixers have "held firm" in their stance that they specifically don't want to make guard Tyrese Maxey or wing Matisse Thybulle part of a package for Beal.
Despite that, the 76ers have "made no secret" that Beal is among the players they would be willing to take in exchange for Simmons.
The disgruntled Simmons asked for a trade during the offseason and hasn't played at all during the 2021-22 campaign, but the 76ers have been hesitant to trade him thus far.
Simmons, 25, is signed through the 2024-25 season. He has a solid resume with three All-Star nods in four seasons and a second-place finish in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting last season.
Despite not having Simmons available, the 31-19 Sixers are currently second in the Eastern Conference, just one game behind the first-place Chicago Bulls.
Superstar center and MVP candidate Joel Embiid has undoubtedly been the driving force behind Philly's success, but he is far from alone.
Maxey, who is in his second NBA season after going 21st overall in the 2020 NBA draft, has taken a huge leap forward in 2021-22. The 21-year-old guard is third on the team in scoring with 16.8 points per game, and he's averaging 4.7 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 three-pointers made while shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, Thybulle is one of the NBA's best young defenders and he is a key part of the Sixers' rotation, averaging 26.1 minutes per game. His averages of 5.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks per game don't necessarily leap off the page, but he is the type of player that winning teams need.
At the same time, the Sixers likely need a player of Beal's caliber to become true championship contenders.
The 28-year-old Beal is a three-time All-Star who averaged over 30 points per game in both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. His scoring average is down to 23.2 points per game this season, but he is averaging a career-high 6.6 assists per game.
The major issue for Beal this season is that he's shooting a career-worst 30.0 percent from beyond the arc, which is well below his career mark of 37.2 percent.
Philly needs another guard who is an elite shooter and scorer. While Beal hasn't necessarily been that this season, he is when playing his best.
Beal is essentially the opposite of Simmons, who is almost strictly a playmaker, defender and close-range shooter. He has made only five three-pointers in his entire career.
The Sixers are among the top teams in the Eastern Conference without Simmons, so trading him for someone like Beal could put them over the top and make them the favorite to reach the NBA Finals.
Washington would likely want more than just Simmons in return for Beal, though. If the Sixers are unwilling to part with any of their other young pieces, a trade may not be in the cards.
Bradley Beal Rumors: Wizards Star Isn't Rejecting Idea of Trade Before NBA Deadline
Feb 2, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 25: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the LA Clippers at Capital One Arena on January 25, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
As the Washington Wizards continue their plummet down the standings, Bradley Beal's future with the organization is once again in the spotlight.
Per The Athletic's David Aldridge and Josh Robbins, Beal is "conflicted" about whether or not he wants to stay with the Wizards.
"His desire to stay for his entire career with the franchise that took him third overall in 2012 remains genuine," Aldridge and Robbins wrote. "But Beal also remains uncertain about whether the Wizards can surround him with difference-making talent that will make them a regular playoff contender."
There has been no indication at this point that the Wizards are entertaining trade offers for Beal ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline.
In a podcast interview with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports in December, Beal said he wants things to work in Washington, but he admitted that he wants to see if the front office can build a championship roster around him.
"I’ve contributed to being here. I’ve committed to being here twice," Beal said. "Now, I want to see that commitment to me, as well, that we can create a winning team here, a winning environment here. And granted, I’m a part of that, so I gotta make sure that I’m stepping up and doing my thing, too, just as well."
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported last month that Beal has "made it clear he doesn't plan to sign an extension and likely will skip his player option."
Beal can become a free agent this summer if he declines his $36.4 million for next season. The 28-year-old is averaging 23.2 points, 6.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game in 40 starts this season.
The Wizards have fallen to 12th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 23-27 record. They have lost 24 of their last 37 games, including a current six-game losing streak, since starting the season 10-3.
Giannis Drops 33 as Bucks Cruise Past Kyle Kuzma, Wizards
Feb 2, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 01: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on February 01, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The host Milwaukee Bucks defeated the short-handed Washington Wizards, who were playing without three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, by a 112-98 score Tuesday at Fiserv Forum.
Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a 33-point, 15-rebound, 11-assist triple-double. He scored 13 fourth-quarter points and led Milwaukee on a 17-2 run down the stretch.
All five Bucks starters scored 10 or more points, with Jrue Holiday posting 22.
Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma had 25 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks to lead Washington, which trailed by as many as 17 points but came all the way back and took an 86-83 lead early in the fourth.
Beal, who leads Washington with 23.2 points per game, sat with a sprained left wrist. The team has already confirmed that he will also miss at least one more matchup.
The Bucks got back in the win column to move to 32-21 after suffering one of their worst losses of the year, a 136-100 defeat at home to the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. The free-falling Wizards have lost six straight to drop to 23-27.
Notable Performances
Wizards F Kyle Kuzma: 25 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks
The Wizards cut the lead to 95-94 after a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope three-pointer, but the Bucks proceeded to go on a 17-2 run. Holiday hit a three-pointer, and Bobby Portis made a layup for a 100-94 edge.
After a Kuzma hook shot, Khris Middleton hit a mid-range jumper before Antetokounmpo slashed to the lane for a dunk off a Grayson Allen feed for an eight-point lead:
Antetokounmpo went right back to the rim on the Bucks' next possession, corralling a Holiday pass and outmuscling Wizards defenders for another slam and a 106-96 edge with 1:23 remaining.
Middleton and Holiday threes provided window dressing to the Bucks' performance, and with that, Milwaukee got back in the win column as Antetokounmpo's dominance led his team to victory.
Kuzma, Harrell Keep Wizards Hanging Around
It wouldn't have been a surprise to see the Bucks steamroll the Wizards. Not only was Milwaukee coming off an ugly defeat that it certainly wanted to erase, but the Wizards were also heading into this game on a brutal five-game losing streak to cap a 13-23 stretch.
Plus, Washington would be without the services of its best player and scorer, creating significant issues when going up against the high-powered, Giannis-led Bucks offense.
The end result shows that the Bucks won by 14 points, but the score differential does not tell the story of this game.
The Wizards were up to the task for much of the first three-plus quarters, with Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell leading the way.
Milwaukee led 43-26 with five minutes remaining in the second quarter, and a blowout was on the table. Kuzma had other ideas, though, following up his own miss to stop the bleeding:
Harrell then took the baton from Kuzma in the third and fourth quarters. He started it up with a three-point play near the end of the third to slash Milwaukee's edge to 78-73:
He stayed hot in the fourth, hitting four buckets in the first three minutes. The last one tied the game at 83 before Rui Hachimura nailed a three for an 86-83 Washington edge:
This was a great effort from Kuzma, Harrell and the Wizards, but Giannis and the Bucks were simply too strong in the final minutes.
What's Next?
The Wizards will visit the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday, with tipoff at 7 p.m. ET.
The Bucks will kick-start a four-game road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday at 10 p.m. in Moda Center.
Wizards' Bradley Beal Reportedly Out at Least 1 Week with Wrist Injury
Feb 1, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 25: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the LA Clippers at Capital One Arena on January 25, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal will be re-evaluated in approximately one week after visiting a specialist for his wrist injury, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wojnarowski reported he has experienced swelling and pain in the injured wrist.
To close out January, the Wizards announced they'd be without the 28-year-old for at least two games because of a sprained left wrist he suffered in a 115-95 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Beal's absence is an obvious setback amid a prolonged slide for Washington.
Nobody was projecting the Wizards to be at the front of the NBA title race when they won 10 of their first 13 games, but it looked like they could challenge for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference.
Their fortunes have taken a nosedive in the subsequent months, though.
Washington finds itself 12th in the conference at 23-26. Beal lamented how the uncertainty hovering around some players ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline was adversely impacting the team.
Missing the playoffs for the third time in four years is becoming a more and more likely outcome for the Wizards, and that raises obvious questions about the three-time All-Star's long-term future with the franchise.
Beal has spent his entire NBA career in Washington, D.C., but his days there could be numbered.
Spencer Dinwiddie Trade Rumors: Wizards Players Don't Want Guard in Washington
Jan 31, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 25: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Washington Wizards reacts to a call in the fourth quarter during the game against the LA Clippers at Capital One Arena on January 25, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Less than a full season into his tenure with the Washington Wizards, Spencer Dinwiddie may have already worn out his welcome in the nation's capital.
Looking at the NBA's trade landscape ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported the Wizards "want to move Dinwiddie because he looks like a shell of his former self and his teammates don’t want him there."
Washington gave the veteran guard a three-year, $54 million contract after acquiring him in a sign-and-trade this past offseason. The team was looking to him to make up some of the production it lost by trading Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Dinwiddie's arrival also showed the Wizards were trying to continue contending as long as Bradley Beal is on the books. Beal is eligible to opt out of his contract this summer.
Unfortunately for the franchise, Dinwiddie isn't hitting the heights he enjoyed during his best years with the Brooklyn Nets.
The 28-year-old is averaging 13.2 points and 5.7 assists and shooting just 38.6 percent from the field and 31.5 percent from beyond the arc. Even worse, he doesn't appear to be having a positive impact in the locker room.
Following a 115-95 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies last Saturday, Dinwiddie said he attempted to assume a position of leadership and offer his advice behind the scenes earlier in the season and that "it wasn't necessarily welcomed."
Head coach Wes Unseld Jr. attempted to downplay the meaning of Dinwiddie's comments.
"I think I’ve been open from Day 1 to suggestions from our guys, vets that have been around," Unseld told reporters. "I’m not sure who that was pointed to. I don’t know if that was directed at staff or teammates, or I’m not sure who that was pointed to, but I think it’s great. I think the more communication we can have and they can have amongst themselves [the better]."
In general, things are not going well for the Wizards:
Let's see if I have this all right: -Bertans vs Deni; -KCP vs Harrell; -Todd suspended for conduct detrimental; -Beal irritated starters had to check back in vs LAC; -Teammates don't like Dinwiddie.
Dinwiddie hasn't played so badly so as to eliminate any hypothetical trade market. His $18 million salary for next year is also pretty reasonable, while only $10 million of his $18.9 million salary for 2023-24 is fully guaranteed.
But the Wizards may not have much leverage at the moment if the level of antipathy toward Dinwiddie from his teammates is out in the open. Given its current priorities, Washington can't deal him at a major loss because that would mean diminishing its playoff odds even further, thus likely lessening the likelihood of Beal sticking around long term.
Wizards' Bradley Beal out Next 2 Games with Wrist Injury; Will Be Evaluated Further
Jan 31, 2022
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday Jan. 9, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal will miss at least the next two games with a wrist injury.
Beal was injured in Saturday's loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He finished with nine points on 2-of-11 shooting while adding 12 assists and two rebounds.
The three-time All-Star has missed time twice this season because he was in health and safety protocols. He was first out of the lineup from Dec. 23 to Dec. 30 and then again from Jan. 11 to Jan. 16.
When he's been in the lineup, Beal has struggled to play at his previous All-Star levels. He's shooting a career-low 30.0 percent from three-point range while his points per game average has dipped from 31.3 last season to 23.2 this season.
Corey Kispert will likely get extended minutes with Beal out of the lineup.
NBA Trade Rumors: 'Everyone's Available' from Bradley Beal's Wizards
Jan 28, 2022
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) in action during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, in Washington. The Celtics won 116-87. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Washington Wizards are reportedly open to trading anyone amid a recent slide that erased a hot start to the season.
According to ESPN's Zach Lowe on Thursday's episode of his The Lowe Post podcast (h/t HoopsHype.com), sources have indicated that "basically everyone's available" in Washington, although he hasn't heard anything regarding the Wizards shopping star guard Bradley Beal.
Lowe added that guard Spencer Dinwiddie and center Montrezl Harrell are the players he has heard mentioned most as potential trade candidates.
Things initially looked promising for the Wizards this season, as they raced out to an 11-5 start and were among the top teams in the Eastern Conference, but they have largely gone south since then.
Washington has lost seven of its past 11 games, and it is in the midst of a four-game losing streak that has dropped its record to 23-25.
That is only good enough for 10th in the Eastern Conference, meaning the Wizards are on the brink of falling out of postseason play-in game territory.
If the Wizards do decide to start selling off players, Beal would undoubtedly garner the most interest and net Washington the most in return.
Beal has a player option for next season, meaning he could become a free agent and leave the Wizards at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season for nothing if they roll the dice and don't trade him.
While Beal has dealt with injuries and missed some time this season, he has remained productive when on the court with averages of 23.6 points, 6.5 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 three-pointers made per game, while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 30.1 percent from beyond the arc.
The three-time All-Star has undoubtedly dropped off from what he accomplished last season, however, when he averaged a career-high 31.3 points per game.
As for Dinwiddie and Harrell, both make sense as potential trade candidates for multiple reasons.
Dinwiddie is signed through at least next season, but he has largely struggled, averaging 13.3 points, 5.7 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 three-pointers made while shooting just 38.8 percent from the field and 31.4 percent from long range.
Trading him would leave a hole at point guard, but it would allow the Wizards to give Aaron Holiday and Raul Neto more playing time and explore younger options during the offseason.
Meanwhile, Harrell is on an expiring contract and is part of a logjam at center with Daniel Gafford and Thomas Bryant.
Harrell, who was acquired during the offseason along with Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers, has played well primarily in a bench role.
The 2019-20 NBA Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 14.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest, while shooting a career-best 65.2 percent from the field.
Harrell would undoubtedly be of interest to a contender because of his ability to produce regardless of what role he is placed in.
Other players to watch on the trade front for Washington are Neto and Bryant since they are both playing under expiring contracts as well.
The Wizards could be a busy team on or before the trade deadline, which is set for Feb. 10.
NBA L2M: Luke Kennard's 4-Point Play vs. Wizards Should Have Been Waved Off
Jan 26, 2022
Los Angeles Clippers guard Luke Kennard (5) celebrates after hitting the game tying shot against the Washington Wizards during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, in Washington. The Clippers erased a 35 point deficit to defeat the Wizards 116-115. From left, Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33), Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann (14), Kennard, and Clippers forward Justise Winslow (20). (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
All Tuesday night, social media lampooned the Washington Wizards' lack of execution in their attempt to foul the Los Angeles Clippers before Luke Kennard converted a four-point play at the buzzer for the win.
One problem: The Wizards actually did execute their attempted foul.
The NBA released its Last Two Minute report for the game Wednesday and said Bradley Beal fouled Kennard prior to him beginning his shot motion and that the shot should not have counted. Kennard should have instead been shooting two free throws, which would have ostensibly locked up the game for the Wizards.
Instead, Beal's foul was called on Kennard's made shot and he went to the free-throw line to cap off one of the more improbable comebacks in recent NBA history. The Clippers trailed by as many as 35 points before roaring back with an 80-point second half to pull off the win.
"I have no words," Beal told reporters after the game. "Besides 'embarrassing.' I was frustrated when I had to go back in. This should have been a game where the starters get their rest. Plain and simple."
The Wizards' loss was their fourth straight and dropped them to 23-25 on the season. It also led to even more speculation about the future of Beal, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Beal's public admonition of his team's inability to close after the Wizards built a big lead isn't promising, and it's unlikely the NBA's acknowledgment of the missed call will do anything to soothe the frustration.
Bradley Beal on Future with Wizards: 'I'm Giving This Organization an Opportunity'
Jan 26, 2022
Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) looks on during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, in Washington. The Celtics won 116-87. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Despite blowing a 35-point lead in Tuesday's 116-115 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, Bradley Beal isn't hitting the panic button with this Washington Wizards team.
Speaking to The Athletic's Josh Robbins after the game, Beal said he's had conversations with general manager Tommy Sheppard and is going to give the "organization an opportunity" to show it's heading in the right direction:
"We’re very transparent with what we want to do and what my future looks like. And yeah, the (trade) deadline is coming up, and I’m very well aware of how we’re playing and how other teams are playing and what my interests are. Granted, I’m giving this organization an opportunity to prove that and show that, and obviously I’m a big factor in that, too, in producing and playing well and performing. But I want to win, and we all know that. It’s just a matter of us doing it. We’ve got the pieces, we have the assets, we’ve got the depth—everything that we bragged about at the beginning of the year. Now let’s put it together and make it work. Speculations are going to be what they are. I can’t control that. But I know what comes out of my mouth, and I know where my heart is, and everyone will know."
The Wizards got out to a 66-31 lead late in the second quarter against Los Angeles. They were outscored 80-49 in the second half, including a 7-0 run by the Clippers in the final 11.2 seconds of regulation.
Luke Kennard made two three-pointers during that span. He was fouled by Beal on the second one, giving him an opportunity to convert a four-point play to put the Clippers ahead for the first time with 1.9 seconds left.
Per ESPN Stats and Info, the 35-point comeback was tied for the second-largest in NBA history. The Utah Jazz erased a 70-34 deficit against the Denver Nuggets in November 1996.
Tuesday's loss was a microcosm of how things have been going for the Wizards for the past two months.
Since getting out to a 10-3 start, the Wizards have lost 22 of their past 35 games. They have dropped four straight games and are two games under .500 for the first time this season.
It remains to be seen what direction Sheppard and his staff will take before the Feb. 10 trade deadline.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported last week the Wizards have had "no real discussion" of moving Beal, even though he "has made it clear he doesn't plan to sign an extension and likely will skip his player option."
Beal has a $36.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season, per Spotrac. The three-time All-Star is only averaging 23.6 points per game, his lowest scoring output since 2017-18 (22.6). He is on pace to set a career-high with 6.5 assists per contest.
The Wizards have five games remaining before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 10 at 3 p.m. ET.
