After a report surfaced on Monday suggesting that Bradley Beal wants out of Washington, the shooting guard and his agent both came out and strongly denied that rumor.
“That is absolutely not true,” agent Mark Bartelstein said of the report that Beal wants to be traded, per Candace Buckner of The Washington Post (Twitter links). “The only sources that would know Brad thinking’s are Brad and myself. And Brad’s focus is 100% on helping the Wizards play consistent, winning basketball.”
Meanwhile, Beal himself addressed the subject after the Wizards’ win over the Rockets on Monday night, speaking to Dennis Scott of NBA TV (video link) in an on-court interview.
“That’s nonsense,” Beal said. “I heard it earlier before the game and I was like, ‘If it didn’t come from the horse’s mouth, it wasn’t me.’ I got this Washington jersey on, I come in and work every day, until otherwise. This is where I want to be. I’m going to continue to show up and continue to work and continue, continue to get wins for us.”
While it may be true that Beal hasn’t asked to be traded and isn’t looking to leave D.C. as soon as possible, there have been plenty of indications that he’s not entirely happy with the Wizards. According to reports on the contentious team practice that took place earlier this month, Beal went on a tirade that day about the team’s culture, telling team officials that he’d been dealing with it “for seven years.” He also reportedly criticized GM Ernie Grunfeld during that practice.
Former Wizards beat writer J. Michael, who now covers the Pacers for The Indianapolis Star, tweeted earlier this month that front offices around the league believe Beal isn’t interested in staying with the Wizards beyond his current contract. Michael didn’t go so far as to say that Beal wants to be traded, but after Monday’s report surfaced, he noted (via Twitter) that the 25-year-old has long been frustrated by the situation in Washington.
Regardless of how he feels about the Wizards, Beal remains under contract through 2021 and seems unlikely to go anywhere anytime soon. While Washington’s front office is reportedly willing to listen to inquiries on any of its players, the price tag for Beal would be astronomical, as he’s the club’s most valuable asset.
KCP, Bonga, and a second for Beal? KCP on a expiring deal. Bonga upside lottery ticket and a pick or two. Does that get it done? Maybe not. But I think the Lakers need to make a move for a shooter badly
Nope it would take multiple firsts or one of the young guys and a first. That deal’s not close.
Yep. As a Wizards fan, I would be extremely disappointed if that trade occurred. This may be a little too favorable for DC, but I was thinking closer to Ingram and Hart for Beal and a second.
KCP or someone similar would have to be added to that deal, though to make it work financially.
KCP would have to approve the trade. There is a provision in his one year contract. I say send him and ingram.
“the price tag on Beal would be astronomical”…. You really think that offer you put together counts as astronomical? 2 rotation pieces and a 2nd or 2….6ers gave up 2 starters for Butler,who is 29,on a expiring contract,and was openly asking for a trade.Beal is 25 and under contract for 2 more years.Your offer is nothing but secondary pieces,no way it’s even close to enough.
Then what do you think is a good deal for Beal going to the Lakers.
Ingram would probably go back along with wagner or hart and a first rounder.
Im sure they like Kuzma better then Ingram but it may be tough for LA to let Kuzma go. LA may think it’s worth it for Brad though.
Your thinking is somewhat flawed. When butler made it known the Wolves lost any leverage in a trade. While it may appear that he wants traded he hasn’t come out and stated as much. Anytime a player comes out and says he wants traded or traded to only certain teams then his team loses leverage
My thinking’s not flawed,what you’re saying is exactly my point.The 6ers gave up 2 starters for Butler,despite it being known he wanted out.I gotta believe other teams are matching a Kcp/Bongo/2nd offer for a 25yr old Beal.
I think kuzma is the one to be moved over ingram. Kuzma, this years 1st and probably josh hart and maybe zubac or wagner.
Nobody wants anyone from the lakers
Beal for Dennis Smith Jr, Wesley Matthews, and a 2nd.
Wall for Ryan Anderson and josh Jackson or bridges
Porter for carrol (nets) and a second
Not sure if carrol salary matches up so it would be another salary filler player too
Any two of Carroll, Faried & Dudley works, all expiring. Not bad for both teams. . . Porter is good, normally, and the vets would settle down Washington & then be gone & the team can sign up a player to reset for next year.
Nets would be at about $70mil in salary with Russell, Dinwiddie, Ed Davis & RHJ to sign.
They really need a 4 though to replace RHJ.