The Washington Wizards could be entering a rebuilding phase this offseason, and if that happens, that could mean Bradley Beal is on the move.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, the Wizards and Beal would work together on a deal if the team does go into a rest.
Charania also mentioned the Miami Heat – who just made the NBA Finals – as a potential suitor for Beal in the offseason.
"It is unclear whether the Wizards will ultimately decide upon a rebuild or if they find an acceptable trade, but sources said both sides are working amicably to find the path forward, with the 2023 NBA Draft looming on June 22," Charania wrote. "The sources, who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter, said the Miami Heat are expected to be prominent suitors for Beal if he reaches the market."
So, where will Beal end up if the Wizards make a trade?
I set the hypothetical odds (and included each team's 2024 NBA Finals odds) for the suitors for Beal:
Bradley Beal trade odds
One key to keep in mind for a Beal trade is that he has a no-trade clause. That means he has to approve any deal that the Wizards make, which could narrow his destinations.
Miami Heat (+300)
Miami seems to be the favorite to land Beal, and it has a perfect path to do so.
Moving guard Tyler Herro's salary could be the easiest path, and the Heat just made the Finals with Herro on the sideline for all but one half of one game of the playoff run.
The Wizards are going to look for picks and young players, and Herro certainly fits the young player bill. I'll set the Heat as the favorite for a Beal deal.
Philadelphia 76ers (+450)
The Sixers have a contract with Tobias Harris that they could use to acquire Beal. However, the team doesn't have as many draft assets – or young players – as other teams to make a deal.
That being said, Beal controls his own destiny with his no-trade clause, and the Sixers could use him if James Harden ends up leaving in free agency.
I wouldn't be shocked if the Sixers make a run at Beal.
New Orleans Pelicans (+550)
This is the move I think makes the most sense since the Pelicans have a perfect match to deal for Beal.
C.J. McCollum is on an expiring deal, and the team could package one of its two first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft to acquire the Wizards star.
@peterdewey2Should the Wizards and Pelicans make this Bradley Beal trade? fyp foryou foryoupage nba wizards pelicans bradleybeal cjmccollum trade
Beal's contract is a bit of an albatross – paying him as one of the best players in the NBA – despite his production dipping a bit in recent seasons. That could allow the Pelicans to get him at a bit of a discount.
Beal, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram would be quite the big three to get the Pelicans back into the playoffs in the West.
The Field (+600)
Since Beal has a no-trade clause, he's going to have less of a chance to end up on a random team.
Instead, we will likely see a list from Beal and his camp if Washington does end up tearing it down. The Portland Trail Blazers could be a sneaky team to make a run at the Wizards guard if they want to make one last run with Damian Lillard.
I also wouldn't count out the Golden State Warriors if they look to move Jordan Poole and some of their young players.
—
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
