Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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It was noted earlier in July that Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal was weighing whether to request a trade from the fledgling organization.
Days after Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard indicated that Beal had not requested to be moved, we’re hearing other more concrete reports.
Marcus Thompson of The Athletic noted on Thursday that Beal is opting to remain with the Wizards. All of this comes amid growing rumors that fellow Wizards All-Star Russell Westbrook is on the verge of being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package surrounding Kyle Kuzma and a 2021 first-round pick.
It has not been a foregone conclusion that the loyal Bradley Beal would remain in D.C. for the 2021-22 NBA season. Washington is coming off a first round exit in the NBA Playoffs and is not seen as anywhere near a title contender in the Eastern Conference.
Interestingly enough, Thompson’s report that Beal will not requested a trade coincides with other suggestions that a likely Westbrook trade to the Lakers is seen favorably by the high-scoring guard.
In said blockbuster, Washington would be getting back Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and that aforementioned first-round pick. It remains to be seen if this actually makes Washington better.
For now, it appears that Bradley Beal will remain in D.C. for another season. Over the course of the past two years, the former No. 3 overall pick is averaging 30.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists on 47% shooting from the field.
The Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics are the teams that have reportedly shown interest in acquiring the three-time All-Star. That’s on hold for now.