There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Washington Wizards coming into the 2021-22 NBA season. After the team traded Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers, many presumed that Bradley Beal would be on his way out shortly after.
Without his All-Star backcourt mate, it was assumed Beal would also request a trade. Westbrook urged him to do so, as did William Wesley before him. Even opponents in the middle of games talk to Beal trying to recruit him to their team.
Despite all of that, Beal has remained with the Wizards, for now. There were still some that ultimately believed he would be on the move sooner or later, as the Wizards weren’t projected to have that strong of a season.
With no long-term team in place and the presumed losing, a Beal trade made sense. The team cannot afford to lose him without getting something in return, so getting some assets back would be a good plan. However, trading him may no longer be a possibility.
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The Wizards have been one of the best teams in the NBA in the early-going of the season. They are currently 8-3, sitting atop the Eastern Conference. They are tied with the best record along with the Chicago Bulls.
What makes the start even more impressive is that Bradley Beal has yet to get going. He is leading the team with 23.1 points per game, but he has been struggling with his shot. Beal is making only 40.7 percent of his shots overall and a ghastly 25 percent of his 3-point attempts. Once he gets going from behind the arc, the Wizards will be that much tougher to slow down.
He is still a difference-maker, averaging 5.5 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game to round out an impressive stat line. The slow shooting start certainly won’t deter teams from inquiring about trading for him, but the Washington Wizards should be turning away any overtures.
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Yes, they are taking a risk holding onto him without a long-term deal in place. But, the team will have to take that chance if they continue winning games.
At that point, it would make more sense to try and augment the roster around him instead of moving him and beginning a retooling phase.
