The Philadelphia 76ers are flying high with their new superstar duo of James Harden and Joel Embiid, but it appears the big man could've had a different running mate. The Sixers were planning to heavily pursue Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal if he was healthy at the trade deadline.
In an alternate universe, a healthy Bradley Beal would have added significant drama to this past trade deadline. The 76ers did their due diligence with the Wizards on Beal throughout the season, but many across the NBA say it was much more than that. Multiple sources said the Sixers worked during the season on a potential trade. Beal faced a decision on whether to force a trade out of Washington and Philadelphia had prominent interest at the deadline if he was cleared to play from his wrist injury. The 76ers’ package would have been centered around Simmons and draft picks, sources said. Several teams beyond Philadelphia would have engaged should the Wizards have opened conversations, but that never happened. Beal ultimately did not request a trade, and underwent season-ending wrist surgery on Feb. 10, the day of the deadline.
By no surprise, Ben Simmons was expected to be a part of the package, but Beal never voiced that he wanted out of DC. Now, he's leaning towards re-signing with the Wizards ahead of a big extension opportunity this summer.
It would've definitely been interesting to see Beal with the Sixers alongside Embiid, but Philly is surely happy to have Harden. Daryl Morey made it clear that The Beard and Beal were his top targets to bring to Philly.
He got one of them. The other? Well, he'll be looking to help the Wizards turn things around next season.
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