4 Teams that can Free Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal is one of the best players in the NBA, and has been for the past couple of seasons. Through this year, Beal is averaging 27 points and 6 assists while currently 11th in offensive box plus/minus, tied with Kawhi Leonard. The Wizards however are wasting the All-NBA talent they have. The Wizards are currently 14-28, and while they are only 4 games out of the 8 spot, this team seems prime for another trip to the lottery. This team is destined for a rebuild, but it won’t be able to with a player like Beal under contract. These trades can get Bradley Beal out of Washington and onto a contender, while the Wizards can finally go all in on the rebuild.

Dallas Mavericks

Beal for Tim Hardaway Jr, Delon Wright, Jalen Brunson, 2020 and 2022 first round picks, 2024 second round pick

If there is one thing that is apparent about the Dallas Mavericks so far, is that Luka Doncic is running the show. The point forward has been playing at an MVP level, averaging 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists while leading the Mavericks to 5th place in the Western conference. It’s apparent though they need another consistent star, as Kristaps Porzingis has not been playing steady since returning from injury. Enter Bradley Beal, who would not only space the floor on offense, but will become a go to defender for the Mavericks, something they have been lacking all year. Beal would be a 1A option to Doncic, which would allow him to get plenty of shots while playing more off ball. The Wizards would get back Tim Hardaway Jr, a steady shooter who contract expires after next season. Delon Wright is a young combo guard who could be a reliable asset as the Wizards grind through the rebuild years. Jalen Brunson has been a good role player the past two seasons, and at only 23 years old, he could develop into a core player for Washington. The 1st round picks make the deal though, and allows the Wizards to replace Beal through the draft.

Toronto Raptors

Beal for Fred VanVleet, Norman Powell, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, 2020 and 2022 1st round picks

The Toronto Raptors have been led by the reigning most improved player of the year Pascal Siakam, who has broken out yet again to lead the Raptors. Despite countless injuries to the Raptors all season, they still currently own the 3rd seed in the Eastern conference. Siakam and company won’t be able to do it by himself if they have any chance at the repeat, and should definitely try to go after Beal. Beal’s knockdown shooting ability will go hand in hand with Siakam’s ability to slash and Kyle Lowry’s playmaking. Beal’s defense will fight perfectly into Nick Nurse’s system, which thrived with Kawhi Leonard as the centerpiece. The Wizards are getting back assets in Fred VanVleet, who has starred in the starting point guard role in Lowry’s absence. The whole situation has a Kyrie Irving/Terry Rozier feel, and VanVleet will want to see if he can be a big time player in the NBA. Powell has been playing better and better every year, and at only 26, he still hasn’t hit his prime. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is a low risk high reward pick up, who so far is having career highs in field goal percentage and box plus minus.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Beal for Andrew Wiggins, 2020 and 2022 first round picks

Beal and star Minnesota big man Karl Anthony-Towns are two men who are facing the same problem. They are young stars, but don’t get the credit they deserve because of the teams that they’re on. That could change if they team up and cause havoc for the rest of the NBA. The pick and roll game these two could play would be lethal, with shooters like Robert Covington and Jake Layman ready for Beal to kick out. Beal would also add to an already solid defense with Towns and Josh Okogie, which is 4th in the league in blocks and steals. For Washington, they’re getting Andrew Wiggins, who at this time last year was already entering bust material. This year he is proving the doubters wrong however, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, assists, and shooting percentage. This gives the Wizards a young core player to potentially rebuild the team around him and Rui Hachimura.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Beal for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dennis Schroder, 2020 first round pick(Denver)

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently at a crossroads this season after a surprising 25-19 start. The Thunder, who everyone expected to trade assets like Chris Paul and Steven Adams for picks, have stayed put allowing for the Thunder to potentially make a playoff run. Their current roster doesn’t have the talent however to advance past the first round. GM Sam Presti is known for taking risks for his team, and this one would be one of the biggest he’s taking. Completing the deal for Beal would require to give up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has currently had a breakout year for the Thunder. Bradley Beal is an elite player though, and a potential core of Beal, Paul, Adams and Dannilo Gallinari could be what the Thunder need to make a big run. The Thunder aren’t giving up their future by trading Alexander either, as Oklahoma has potentially 13 first round picks over the next 7 years. This trade allows for the Wizards to attain a young star while allowing the Thunder to become real contenders in the loaded western conference.