One NBA writer is proposing that Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers trade for Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Sixers send guard Tyrese Maxey, forward Tobias Harris, swingman Furkan Korkmaz, wing Danuel House Jr. and a 2029 first-round pick to the Wizards for Beal and small forward Kyle Kuzma.
“With a new front office in Washington, we could finally see a Beal trade after 11 years with the franchise,” Swartz wrote. “This deal only goes down if James Harden leaves the 76ers in free agency, opening up the need for another All-Star guard to join the backcourt. Beal and Kuzma restock the Sixers with talent around Joel Embiid, keeping them in the title hunt.
“Maxey is the perfect replacement for Beal, as he’s seven years younger and coming off a career-high 20.3 points per game. One of the fastest players in the game, Maxey has also become an elite three-point shooter (43.4 percent) as well. Washington stays competitive with Maxey, Harris and others while also adding a future unprotected first-round pick from the Sixers.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Bradley Beal & Washington Wizards Updates
Beal signed a five-year, $251 million maximum contract with the Wizards in July 2022. The deal has a no-trade clause, so Beal can only be traded if he agrees to a trade. The three-time All-Star averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists this season while shooting 50.6% from the field, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line.
Sixers star James Harden has a player option for next season. The former MVP can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2023-24 player option. Multiple reports have stated that Harden will reunite with the Houston Rockets this offseason.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Bradley Beal & Washington Wizards Updates
If that happens, the Sixers need to get Embiid another running mate, and Beal fits that bill. Beal, a St. Louis native, has career averages of 22.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
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