The Washington Wizards have been in a really awkward phase. Last year, they gave up on their OG backourt by trading John Wall for Russell Westbrook. This year, they plan on building around All-Star Bradley Beal, who has made it known that he plans to stay in D.C. Talk about loyalty that’s rarely present in the NBA today. 

But various NBA analysts and insiders have thrown Beal’s name around in trade talks this off season. Beal has yet to request a trade but many think it’s time for him to go especially since the Wizards are nowhere close to winning a championship. Who can they theoretically trade for? Well, here are two unhappy stars or even all-star caliber players that the Wizards can deal with: 

Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons for Bradley Beal, straight up

Ben Simmons has made it clear that he prefers to go to a California based team. D.C. may be far away but what if none of those California teams (Sacramento, LA Clippers, LA Lakers, Golden State Warriors) can offer the package that the Sixers want? Sixers President Daryl Morey has made it clear that he wants a fair return for Simmons, which is understandable but at the same time tough because of the 25-year-old’s current reputation. 

Trading Beal for Simmons makes sense because the former is 28-years-old and just hit his prime. Pairing him with a dominant big like Joel Embiid would do wonders for both of them. While putting Simmons in a place like a rebuilding Washington squad would help him gain back his reputation and actually develop his game. Brad needs to win now while Ben can still find his game once again in DC.

Of course, this is only going to happen if Beal asks out of DC. This might take some time but the door of this happening isn’t closed. What if the Wizards don’t do well once again this year? Will Beal finally ask out? It’s hard to predict but the idea of trading one unhappy all-star player for another isn’t out of the window. 

 

Sacramento Kings’ Buddy Hield

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Buddy Hield is far from being considered a “star” but given the options in today’s trade market, acquiring someone of his caliber isn’t a bad idea at all. If the Wizards are serious about building around Beal, Hield would be a great teammate alongside him because of his offense. Hield is an excellent three point shooter and someone who can create for himself. He’s been stagnant with the Sacramento Kings and maybe a change in environment would help him revive his career. 

Sacramento has made it clear that they’re open to trading for Hield. This was one of the earliest rumors going around when the NBA off season started. In return, the Wizards can give up someone like Montrezl Harell or maybe Kyle Kuzma—the original package the Lakers once offered for Hield. 

Hield has also barely played with superstars like Beal. The 28-year-old isn’t getting younger either so wasting his time on a rebuilding (what seems like forever) Kings squad would be a shame. If the Wizards want to surround Beal with the best role players then Hield is definitely an option.