4 trades to take the Wizards from purgatory to rebuild

Trade No. 1: Bradley Beal to the Magic

Bradley Beal is the exception to the Wizards’ team-building woes, the one player who was drafted highly and has turned into a legitimate star player. Unfortunately, that “star” label can’t be confused with a superstar one, but Beal is certainly paid for like a top-15 player in the league.

The Wizards can’t rebuild with Beal on the team, but between his expansive salary and the inexplicable no-trade clause the former front office handed to him, trading him is a difficult proposition. He will likely want to go to a good team, but most of those are unlikely to trade for a player as overpaid as Beal. Michael Winger could try calling the Golden State Warriors about a Jordan Poole trade, or the Brooklyn Nets about a deal centered around Ben Simmons.

There is one up-and-coming team that could be attractive to Beal, and could be interested in a deal for a high-octane scoring guard like Beal. After attending the University of Florida for his one year of college, he could return to The Sunshine State:

Jonathan Isaac is the kind of upside-swing rebuilding teams make; if he can stay healthy and get on the court, he could be a part of Washington’s next team or be moved as a trade chip once his value is rehabilitated. Gary Harris is a veteran wing to move to a contender for extra value. Jalen Suggs and the No. 11 pick are two bites at the apple to try to get a long-term starter.

Beal’s production and name value might suggest that this is an underpay, but there truly are very few options available when you factor in Beal’s massive salary and how much his no-trade clause depresses his value. This is likely around the most the Wizards can expect to get.