Washington Wizards

There have been plenty of question marks surrounding John Wall and Bradley Beal and their future in Washington. At first, it seemed like Bradley Beal could be on the move, but it seems like it will be John Wall who will likely be traded. Some reports say John Wall has requested a trade, while others say Wall does not want to be traded from Washington, so there is no clarity on the situation. 

Ultimately, if the Wizards wanted to move John Wall, they could package him to acquire James Harden. Washington does not fit the description of “immediate title contender” for Harden, but pairing up with Bradley Beal in a big market city could lure another superstar talent to want to team up with them in Washington D.C. 

The Wizards have plenty of draft assets and young core players that they could offer up with John Wall in a lucrative trade offer to the Houston Rockets that would be hard for them to turn down. Wall has not played much over the years due to numerous injuries, but when on the court, John Wall is an impactful and very athletic guard. He could be a nice player for Houston to add as they rebuild, providing a veteran presence for the young core they bring in over the next few years. 

It is no secret that the Wizards want to keep Bradley Beal at all costs and it is also no secret that Beal wants to win and not put up “dead stats” in a sense on a team that won’t contend. Much like the situation with Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns; the Wizards must get Beal some help or he could be out the door in the near future. 

By bringing in James Harden, the Wizards would send a message to Beal that they are willing to bring in the talent needed to make Washington a threat in the Eastern Conference. Financially, this trade would only work for the Wizards if they are willing to give up John Wall and if they are acquiring Harden, it would make perfect sense for them to finally move John Wall’s max-contract.