In the coming weeks, the NBA trade rumors of Bradley Beal possibly being moved are going to ramp up, especially once the season concludes. The Washington Wizards are going to have a new coach at the helm next season, which could prompt Beal to incite a trade this offseason.
Plus, yet another early exit in the playoffs could weigh heavy on Beal’s mind as he thinks about his future. Beal will begin a two-year, $71.8 million contract extension next season with a player option worth $37.3 million in 2022-23. However, there’s more context to consider.
Beal will be eligible for the supermax extension from the Wizards and it would pay him 35% of the salary cap. He positioned himself to be eligible for this honor by signing that short-term extension to preserve his eligibility for it and capitalized by earning All-NBA honors.
It’s likely that Beal elects to play one more season in Washington before requesting a trade, or just departing in NBA free agency altogether when his contract expires. Locking in the supermax before doing so would be the ideal outcome.
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In the event that Beal does force his way out this summer, the Washington Wizards are going to need to get all they can in a trade involving their superstar shooting guard. These are players that could be targets in the future, even if a deal were not to be pursued prior to the 2021-22 season.
With Washington possibly needing to prepare themselves for Beal’s departure via trade, here are a few players the team should target in said trade.