As interest grows from rival teams, the Washington Wizards are engaged in discussions regarding the potential trade of three-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal. Sources informed ESPN on Wednesday that team president Michael Winger and Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports, are maintaining close contact to evaluate the scenarios presented by interested parties.
Beal’s contract, a five-year, $251 million deal completed last season, grants him a unique position as the only current NBA player with a no-trade clause in his agreement. This gives Beal control not only over potential destinations but also over how any trade package would impact his chances of joining a championship-contending team.
If Winger decides to reshape the Wizards’ roster significantly, interested teams will not only need to negotiate with Winger and Wizards general manager Will Dawkins but also involve Bartelstein in the trade discussions, forming a three-way conversation.
With the NBA draft scheduled for June 22 and free agency beginning on July 1, talks regarding Beal’s future with the Wizards are expected to intensify in the coming weeks, according to insider sources.
Having spent his entire 11-year career in Washington, Beal has developed strong connections with the community and team owner Ted Leonsis. However, Leonsis has granted Winger complete autonomy in deciding whether to pursue a rebuild for the franchise or continue building around high-priced veteran talent.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are awaiting player-option decisions from forwards Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, both of whom have the potential to become unrestricted free agents.
Beal, despite being limited to 50 games last season due to injuries, showcased his talent by averaging 23.2 points on an impressive career-high shooting percentage of 51%. Throughout his career, he has maintained an average of 22.1 points per game, including remarkable back-to-back seasons of 30+ points per game in 2019-20 (30.5) and 2020-21 (31.3).
