The Washington Wizards will no doubt be involved in the NBA’s fast approaching trade season. With that in mind, a few names to keep an eye on.
At 6-13, the Washington Wizards are still afloat in the pool of “playoff hopefuls.” Fans can thank All-Star guard Bradley Beal for his production, which has saved them on multiple nights.
Yet, if the front office is going to continue rolling Beal out with this, shouldn’t they look into upgrading the roster via trade?
The trade market has been silent to start the season, mainly because so many players have been untradeable. Any and all free agents signed during the 2019 offseason are ineligible to be traded to a new team before December 15. But with that date fast approaching, should Washington find some help for their franchise player?
The Logic
It was the best of times when Beal and the Wizards agreed to a three-year extension in October. The entire NBA was keeping a close eye on that situation, to determine if he was worth the chase.
If Beal had elected to play the year out without an extension, at least half the league’s executives would have been at Tommy Shepard’s front door with trade offers. Washington could have very well made away with a first-round pick, if not two, in any potential deal involving Beal. Instead, they sold Beal on the future of the franchise and locked him up long term.
In the meantime, however, what is Beal to do? He can’t join Wall on the sidelines and take the rest of the year off. No load management for Beal, who has been on the floor every night and lighting it up for Washington. Still, the frustration will inevitably take it’s toll if Beal leads the league in minutes again this season, and the Wizards lose 50+ games.
And the sad truth is, there’s a strong chance Wall doesn’t come back 100 percent. Washington may waste a year waiting for an unlikely renaissance.
Even if it’s just players on expiring deals, the Wizards front office needs to continue to surround Beal with a cast of guys that will help him win.