The Washington Wizards have granted Bradley Beal permission to find a new team, opening the door to NBA trade rumors regarding the All-Star guard’s future. However, the trade market for him might not be as robust as expected.
Beal’s trade value has dipped in recent years. While he’s rebuffed opportunities to be dealt in the past, Washington’s front office turnover has opened the door to a rebuild. As a result, Beal is now exploring his opportunities to be traded to a contender.
- Bradley Beal stats (2022-’23): 23.2 PPG, 5.4 APG, 50.6% FG, 36.5% 3PT, .099 WS.48
Related: NBA insider reveals early favorite to acquire Bradley Beal
However, several factors will limit the guard’s trade market this summer. He holds a no-trade clause, providing him with the control to pick what team he plays for. Furthermore, he’s one of the highest-paid NBA players with a trade kicker included in his contract.
In a recent appearance on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast, NBA insider Marc Stein shared his belief that neither the Philadelphia 76ers nor the Boston Celtics will pursue a trade for Beal.
“By all accounts, Miami, that is the team that is most intriguing to Bradley Beal. Maybe others will emerge as this process goes on further, but at this point, it’s not the Knicks. I don’t think Boston or Philly. I don’t think either one of those Eastern powers is even pursuing this. Miami right now, that’s the team.”
Marc Stein on the trade market for Bradley Beal
- Bradley Beal contract: $46.74 million salary (2023-’24), $50.2M salary (2024-’25), $53.66M salary (2025-’26), $57.128 million player option (2026-’27)
Related: NBA reporter hints at likely return in a Bradley Beal trade
Chris Haynes followed that up by noting he believes the Brooklyn Nets could potentially get involved, potentially acquiring Beal as their new All-Star centerpiece after trading away Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
With the Celtics and 76ers reportedly out on Beal, it leaves the list of his known suitors to the Miami Heat, Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks. Entering his age-30 season and playing on one of the largest contracts in NBA history, the Wizards likely won’t receive the return in a Beal trade that they would’ve landed two years ago.
