Washington Wizards Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, 2023 First-Round Pick (MIN), 2023 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2025 First-Round Pick (Top 10 Protected – MIN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Bradley Beal
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: G/F Ben Simmons
If we had to guess, Brooklyn Nets fans will be a little more enthusiastic about this offer than the others we’ve proposed.
They’re landing a certified star in Bradley Beal. Granted, he comes at the cost of two first-round picks. With an aging Kevin Durant still producing like a star, the Nets can’t afford to get sticker shock. This trade may put them back in the driver’s seat in the race for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves also sacrifice two first-rounders in order to upgrade their win-now prospects. They get protection on one: simply put, the leap from Russell to Simmons is less than the leap from Simmons to Beal in terms of pure trade value.
Finally, the Wizards move on from their star shooting guard. This deal lands them in an interesting position. If they want to rebuild, the draft capital helps them do that.
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On the other hand, if they wish to remain competitive, Russell, Kristaps Porzingis, and their surplus of quality wings could be greater than the sum of their parts. If not, expect them to make further deals following this one.
