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The NBA Trade Deadline is here. Phones are ringing, deals are being negotiated, and plenty of players could potentially be on the move before February 7th arrives. Names like Anthony Davis and Mike Conley have dominated headlines as trade speculation around the league heats up, but make no mistake about it, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal has the attention of many teams eager to make a move.
The now two-time All-Star has been the subject of many incoming calls to Washington's front office. The team even made claims at the start of the season, albeit amid a very rough start, that any player on the team could be available for trade.
Many around the league felt that when John Wall went down with injury midseason that the Wizards playoff hopes were doomed, ultimately setting the groundwork for team’s eventual dealing of Beal. Even though they haven’t found a way to surge back into comfortable positioning in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, Wall’s absence has practically made Beal untouchable in the trade market.
Part of the team’s reluctance to listen to offers for Bradley Beal are rooted in their goals for this season. Wizards owner Ted Leonsis has made it clear that Washington's goal will never be to tank and that playing in the postseason is their only goal. Beal, who has been leading the team in their time without Wall, obviously gives them the best chance to do so.
Much of their aim to retain Beal has to do with how he has played since taking over as the number one guy on the court. Beal, who is only 25-years-old (the same age as Anthony Davis and a year younger than Kyrie Irving) has been playing his best basketball this season.
Since losing Wall in late December, the Wizards have gone 9-9. While their .500 record during this stretch doesn’t blow anyone away, the fact that Beal has kept this team alive despite injuries to multiple key players, such as Wall and Markieff Morris, says a lot.
Beal’s numbers have been incredible, as well. In the 18 games he has been at the head of the team, he is averaging 27.3 points, 5.8 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals while shooting 37.9 percent from deep and 46 percent overall.
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The team has been playing better with him on the floor, evidenced by improved ball movement and a team energy that looks different than it did at the start of the season. With Beal leading the charge, even other players’ numbers, such as Otto Porter Jr., have seen an improvement.
There is some belief that Beal could be the franchise player moving forward. After this season, he is under contract for 2019-20, with a player option in 2020-21. His deal is relatively reasonable, as it does not surpass $30 million.
With Wall on the verge of entering the supermax and Beal’s dominant play as of late, Wall could be the one on the way out.
It will be near impossible to make the money for Wall work during the season, so possible avenues to move on from him likely won't be looked at until the offseason. It won't be easy, as many around the league view Wall's contract as unmovable.
Porter’s time with the team could even possibly come to an end if the team feels they are ready to give up on a big contract. Earlier this season, the Utah Jazz expressed interest in acquiring Porter, and a trade could be had if Washington feels ready to move on from his salary.
Despite Beal being the team’s most valuable trade asset, his increased role with the team as a result of Wall’s injury has all but guaranteed he will remain in the nation's capital through the trade deadline.
