Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal. (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors could involve some restricted free agents in sign and trade arrangements, and Bradley Beal is at the top of the list.
The Washington Wizards are one of the most disappointing teams this season as they were not able to take the next step in their breakthrough campaign. Instead, they just missed the playoffs and most likely, a shot at Kevin Durant.
Now, they have to face the reality of their roster and one of the hard truths that they need to accept is that the John Wall-Bradley Beal duo is not as good as they projected it to be.
Last season, there were even arguments that they are the best backcourt in the league. They were met with opposition from the Chicago Bulls (Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler) and even the Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. We all know who won that debate.
Now, even the team site Wiz of Awes who had writers scrutinizing the team all-season long admits that Wall and Beal are not "a championship duo." The tandem has not won 50 games together, and opposing teams don't consider them as a threat.
Wall has played at an All-Star level and Beal is still recognized as a "quality player" but in light of the Wizards' future considering Durant is no longer in the cards and Beal being a restricted free agent, what should the Wizards do with this realization?
This is not suggesting that they should let Beal walk-that would be the worst option. A sign-and-trade arrangement could be the key and the Wizards, once they finalize their GM situation (as Ernie Grunfeld is reportedly in hot water), they should explore ways to maximize Beal's restricted status.
In a Fansided article, they mentioned Washington as a possible destination for Jimmy Butler. Butler has been in the center of recent trade talks as the Bulls organization and also new coach Fred Hoiberg are no longer keen on anointing them as their star of the future.
However, don't expect the Bulls to easily give up their star player. They are also looking for the best return and a package centered on Bradley Beal would be very reasonable.
Beal would flourish in Fred Hoiberg's offense also he does not have Butler's defensive capabilities. The Wizards would need to add picks or probably one of their young small forwards (Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre) because Butler is already one of the league's top players and Beal's injury history.
The possible trade would give the Wizards a real "championship duo" and their new found clout would attract free agents to beef up their frontline. On the other hand, the Bulls could go on their full rebuild-a stage they attempted to bypass because of the talent on their roster but they now find necessary in light of how their new coach's philosophy does not match their lineup.
