Indiana Pacers Receive: G Bradley Beal

Washington Wizards Receive: G Malcolm Brogdon, C Myles Turner, 2022 First-Round Pick (IND), 2024 First-Round Pick (IND)

With this trade, the Indiana Pacers cut their rebuild short while the Washington Wizards get theirs underway.

The Wizards project as unlikely to play ball unless Beal forces their hand. By all accounts, there seems to be mutual interest between the player and the organization to win together.

The sentiment is admirable, but it may be misguided.

After all, the Wizards have advanced past the first round just once in Beal’s time with them. John Wall was running point at the time. They’ve struggled to sniff relevancy with Beal on the roster. This relationship feels like it has reached its expiry date.

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In an era of player movement, a select few take pride in remaining with the team that drafted them. That’s nice, but it’s also a barrier to success sometimes. If divorce makes sense for both sides, it’s probably the right move.

Even if it isn’t easy.