Washington Wizards: 5 teams that could convince the Wizards to trade Bradley Beal
By Ethan Smith
The Cleveland Cavaliers could convince the Washington Wizards to trade Bradley Beal
One of the most fun surprises of the 2020-21 season has been Collin Sexton and Darius Garland’s emergence as a legitimate backcourt in Cleveland. The only thing better than their play is their nickname: Sexland.
I love Sexland. It is fun. It is unexpected. It is fearless. I would hate to break it up, but if it could save the Wizards’ future, it’s worth it.
The Cavs probably are not willing to give up both members of their backcourt. That doesn’t mean the Wizards shouldn’t try if the Cavaliers come calling for Bradley Beal. But landing one of Garland or Sexton and a cache of draft picks wouldn’t be a terrible swap. The Cavaliers own each of their first-round picks from 2021 through 2027 and second-rounders each year starting in 2023. That’s a lot of draft capital that could help the Wizards fully transform their roster in just a few seasons.
Even with Beal, there’s no guarantee the Cavaliers would rise to the top of the East. The Cavaliers are 10-16, just two spots ahead of the Wizards in the standings. They’d immediately be better with Beal, but he alone wouldn’t make them contenders. Some of those firsts may end up being pretty valuable.
The Cavaliers would need to throw in a few more contracts to make the money work, maybe one of their 74 centers, but a deal built around Garland and/or Sexton and picks would be worth listening to, if not taking.