Bradley Beal (Photo : Getty Images)
Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal appears as a potential trade target for the Philadelphia 76ers this season.
Rumors around the league claim that there is a rift between Wizards backcourt tandem John Wall and Bradley Beal, with the former admitting that they "have a tendency to dislike each other on the court," while the latter also agreed with the root of their problem.
"It's tough because we're both alphas," Beal told CSN Mid-Atlantic. "It's always tough when you have two guys who firmly believe in themselves, who will bet on themselves against anybody else, who want to be that guy. We both can be that guy."
With Beal fresh off signing a five-year $128 million contract with the Wizards, many believe he would share a co-leadership role with Wall, which may not bode well for both stars if they could not improve their on-and-off court relationship.
With that being said, speculations about the two getting traded are becoming rampant, and one of the trade scenarios explored by 12UP writer Jonathan Reisman is Beal joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
"The Sixers are saddled with a plethora of young, talented big men, and there are several pieces who are ripe to be dealt," Reisman wrote.
"Rumors have been swirling around Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, and a few others for over a year now, and it's starting to feel like the odd man out will be moved at some point. The 76ers would love to acquire a talent like Beal, who will offer solid backcourt shooting, something they lack at the moment."
Beal would give the 76ers another young talent with elite skills to become a perennial All-Star in the league if healthy. Beal, who averaged 17.4 points per game on 44.9 percent shooting from the field last season, provides Philly a legit outside threat, who could fit well playing alongside Aussie phenom Ben Simmons.
However, any potential deal involving Beal would likely have to wait until his restriction expires on January next year. Trading for Beal and his hefty contract would also require the 76ers to give up more than just Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel.
As intriguing as it may look to see Beal playing for the 76ers, it is unlikely Philly would consider such deal, especially if Beal fails to remain healthy this season. But if Bryan Colangelo believes Beal would speed up the 76ers rebuilding process, it is a deal worth exploring for Philly.
