What’s next for the Washington Wizards after underwhelming Beal deal?

Bradley Beal has finally been traded! However, the framework of the deal has left many fans of the Washington Wizards disappointed in the package that they received. The trade involved Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, multiple second-round picks, and multiple pick swaps.

This was a trade that Beal had the ability to force due to his no-trade clause. According to the Athletic, he chose the Phoenix Suns over the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Sacramento Kings. This may have been the best deal possible for the Wizards.

This trade has left the NBA community wondering, what comes next? There are probably a few answers to that question, so let’s dive in.

What will the Washington Wizards do with Chris Paul and Landry Shamet?

Landry Shamet is likely going to stay a Wizards at until his contract runs out. He is a young asset for the team and unless they get an offer that they undoubtedly win, they won’t move him.

Chris Paul, however, is a different story. According to Chris Haynes, the Wizards are holding off on finalizing a deal so they can explore the idea of shipping him off to a third team. The Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly interested in their former star.

The Wizards could flip the future hall of famer into the duo of Robert Covington and Marcus Morris, helping the Clippers clear the log jam at their forward positions while also receiving two very movable contracts. Both of those players could easily be flipped to a contending team at the deadline into multiple picks or young players.

On the flip side, the Wizards could elect to keep the veteran point guard in favor of mentoring the next generation of players. This would be particularly interesting if the Wiz select Anthony Black with the eighth overall pick as he is already a phenomenal passer.

If neither of these options make sense to the newly reformed front office, Paul is on an expiring deal and can be bought out with no long-term issues.