Could the Washington Wizards flip one big contract for another?

With the recent news that Kyrie Irving wants traded from the Brooklyn Nets, a unique opportunity has presented itself for the Washington Wizards. They have a contract that has held them back, and this could be the opportunity to clear themselves of it.

Ever since he signed the deal in the offseason, fans across the league have criticized Bradley Beal’s contract both for its high monetary value and for its no-trade clause. Kyrie Irving becoming available gives the Wizards the ability to get out from between a rock and a hard place.

Following their meltdown against the Portland Trailblazers, the need for a closer is clear for the Wizards and there aren’t many better than the former champion.

Irving is on a much more team friendly deal and most notably does not have a clause that keeps him from being traded. He is also on an expiring deal so if he doesn’t impress the Wizards front office, he can be let go in the offseason.

Realistically, the Wizards would have to tack on a first-round pick and all of the picks they gained from the Rui Hachimura trade to get the Nets to agree since Beal is not on the same level as Irving. However, they may be able to play hardball since most of the teams that are interested don’t have an All-Star caliber player to trade.

This would give the Wizards much more flexibility in the offseason to resign Kyle Kuzma while also giving out extensions to players who may need them like Kristaps Porzingis. This could be the best financial move for the team while also helping them on the floor. Just imagine a starting lineup of Kyrie Irving, Corey Kispert, Kyle Kuzma, Kristaps Porzingis, and Daniel Gafford with Monte Morris, Delon Wright, and Deni Avdija off the bench.

What could possibly stop the Washington Wizards from making this trade?

There are only two things really holding the Wizards back from making this trade. The first being their strange attachment to the shooting guard, the reason they gave him such an egregious offer to begin with. The second being the aforementioned no-trade clause.

The trade clause may not be as big of an issue as most would think, however. Most of the time when players have such a clause, they are willing to waive it to find a better opportunity. Kevin Garnett for example waived his to play with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen on the Boston Celtics.

There aren’t many opportunities better for a player like Bradley Beal than playing alongside Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons with a Defensive Player of the Year candidate at center. The Nets have probably the most ideal roster situation in the league for a player like Beal. His poor defense will be covered up by Simmons and Nic Claxton, he won’t have to handle the ball as much due to Simmons and Durant, and he can play off the ball on offense.

Playing for the Nets would bring out all of the strengths in Bradley Beal’s game while also covering up all of his weaknesses. He may also be a better fit next to Durant and Simmons (both of which are ball dominant players) than Kyrie Irving ever was.

This seems like one of the only teams in the league that Beal would waive his no trade clause to play for. Leaving only the front office to make the decision.

This trade could be the best for both teams as the Washington Wizards rid themselves of a poor contract situation, opening the ability to resign Kyle Kuzma, and the Brooklyn Nets get a three-time All-Star back in return for Kyrie Irving.