The LA Clippers entered the season as legit contenders in the Western Conference following a flurry of offseason moves.
Between the additions of John Collins and Brook Lopez, arguably no move was deemed bigger than the signing of Bradley Beal, who joined LA after completing a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns.
Landing a premiere talent, who proved to be one of the most dynamic scorers in the NBA at his peak seemed like a can't lose situation for the Clippers, especially considering the discounted price they landed him at.
Beal joined the Western Conference contenders with the chance to not only prove he had plenty left in the tank, but that the Suns could be to blame for his career falling off the rails over the last few season.
At 32, Beal's decline didn't seem to make sense.
Obviously, the guard has a bit of a injury history, but with no major injuries suffered over the course of the last few years, his dramatic regression seemed tied to fit rather than individual woes; at least that was the hope.
However, since joining the Clippers, Beal's struggles are putting him position to the point that he no longer can beat the allegations of decline.
Averaging 8.2 points, 1.7 assists and 0.8 rebounds, the former Wizard is being pinned as one of the major reasons for the Clippers early struggles to start the year.
Between his offensive woes and underwhelming defensive play, the Florida product is once again being viewed as the cause for another team's failure to live up to expectations.
Whether pinning the struggles on Beal is fair or not, it's safe to say that at some point in the near future the writing is on the wall for not only the Clippers to shake up the roster, but Beal to be involved in trade talks.
At this point of his career, striking out on several contenders is putting him position where he can either continue being labeled as the scapegoat or he can open his mind to a potential return to the lone place that may be able to get his career back on track: Washington.
The Wizards reportedly were open to acquiring Beal ahead of last season's NBA trade deadline as the Suns looked for avenues to offload the guard's contract and although a deal never came to fruition, it's clear Washington's front office is not against bringing the veteran home.
With players like CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton on the team's roster, the Wizards would likely gladly take on a cheaper deal like Beal's, especially if it comes with additional draft compensation attached.
Although landing in a rebuilding situation likely isn't on the top of Beal's list, at some point the guard should do what is best for his career.
Returning to the place he called home for majority of his NBA career with the chance to turn things around and rebuild his value before deciding his next steps may be best for all parties involved.