There will be a lot of people paying attention to the Washington Wizards in the coming days leading up to the NBA trade deadline. If they are unable to land a difference-making player and make a push for the postseason, that could dash their hopes of retaining Bradley Beal long-term.
Beal could be heading for unrestricted free agency this summer. He has a player option that it is widely believed he will decline. That will put him in a position to sign a monster contract, but it is anyone’s guess as to who that deal will be signed with.
He has not indicated that he wants to leave Washington, as a trade request has never been made. However, there has been just as limited an indication that he wants to remain there long-term.
The easiest way to convince a player to stick things out is by winning games. The Wizards did that at the beginning of the season, but they have fallen on hard times most recently. They are now on the outside looking in of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, sitting in 12th place.
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To improve their chances of keeping Beal, the Wizards have to be aggressive at the deadline and bring in a player that can function as a true No. 2 behind him. They have the depth and assets to build a competitive package to do so.
If they are unable to land a big-time player and continue sliding down the standings, Beal could be more inclined to leave in free agency. If that occurs, here are three landing spots that Beal should be eyeing as his next team.
