One NBA writer has come up with a way for the Los Angeles Lakers to acquire Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards.
Jason Reed of Fansided proposed that the Lakers send D’Angelo Russell, Mo Bamba, Malik Beasley and two draft picks to the Wizards for Beal, who has a no-trade clause in his contract and would have to approve a trade to Los Angeles.
“On the surface, this looks like a great price for Bradley Beal,” Reed wrote. “He is an All-Star player who has been named to an All-NBA Third Team and the Lakers would be getting him for a contingent of role players and one first-round pick. While it would be cheap, there is a reason why it is cheap.”
“Beal is paid like a superstar but his play style and skill set do not necessarily translate to winning,” Reed explained. “He is not someone who can be the best or second-best player on a title-contending team. However, in LA he would be the third-best player, which is at least something.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The apparent concern would be the cost to acquire Beal, especially for a Lakers team that sorely struggled to succeed after trading for Russell Westbrook with a three star configuration. Without room for sufficient depth, the team failed. However, the cost in terms of the trade package would still enable options to retain impending free agents.
“Paying someone who can’t be the best or second-best player on a contender over $50 million as he heads into his 30s is a risky move,” Reed wrote. “That is why very few teams are likely willing to take on his contract, which is why his trade value is as cheap as it is. This is around the best the Wizards could get for Beal.”
“In return, they would be getting a high-usage guard that will help them tank (Russell), a contract they can outright waive (Bamba) and an expiring,” Reed explained. “Throw in the 17th pick and a future second and this is how the Wizards can reset and look toward the future.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Beal could get traded by the Wizards this offseason if the franchise decides to rebuild. The three-time All-Star has been linked to the Lakers in the past, and for what it’s worth, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are big fans of Beal, league sources told NBA Analysis Network.
A Florida product, Beal averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists this past season while shooting 50.6% from the field, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line.
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