The Washington Wizards took the “untradable” label off their All-Star backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal, but despite the latter holding the best value for inquiring teams, the organization has made no attempts to include him in any legitimate trade discussions, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic.
“He isn’t the best player who’s been available in the past few years, but he’s the best player with the best contract situation,” someone who works in the front office of another organization told Katz.
Beal has what is considered a fair contract with three years and $81 million remaining on his deal, while Wall is bound to have a four-year, $169 million supermax deal kick in next season — a figure teams would be very wary of acquiring.
Opposing front-office staffers suggested Beal could fetch more in a deal than the LA Clippers received when they traded five-time All-Star power forward Blake Griffin, or even what the San Antonio Spurs received when they parted ways with the estranged Kawhi Leonard — yet the Wizards have yet to pull the trigger on trading the 25-year-old.
Beal has been plenty aware of the rumors, even dating back to a few weeks ago — yet he has chosen to remain focused on the task at hand and not let the outside noise bother his play.
“I heard those rumors weeks ago,” said Beal when asked of Monday's report. “Then, I didn’t buy into them. Now, I’m still not going to buy into them because if that’s what my main priority and focus is, then I’m going to be messed up on the floor.”
Washington would be better off swinging a deal quickly and curing the animosity that has now plagued this locker room by giving the team a fresh start.
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