The Washington Wizards officially kicked off their rebuild last offseason when the team opted to offload longtime Wizard Bradley Beal in a blockbuster trade to the Phoenix Suns.
Prior to the move, many people had mixed emotions about the idea of moving on from the former lottery pick, especially considering how many moments the shooting guard shared with the organization and its fans.
Between deep playoff runs, a second place finish for the NBA scoring title in 2021 and a complete retooling after the departure of John Wall, Washington grew to love Beal during his time in D.C.
However, in a league that is a business at the end of the day, Washington and the Florida product ultimately came to a mutual agreement that it was time to move on which led to Beal waiving his trade clause to land in Phoenix to pair up with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant on the Suns.
Following the deal, it seemed like general manager James Jones found a way to put together a superteam to contend in the Western Conference. Fast forward to now, it seems like Beal may be on the move again soon after the fit in Phoenix has gone the complete opposite of what the Suns or any fan of the league expected.
Last season, the Suns were swept in the first round of the playoffs after barely making the cut to begin with. As a result, head coach Frank Vogel was fired after being accused as the scapegoat for the team's shortcomings.
Nonetheless, this season with new head coach Mike Budenholzer, the Suns struggles continue which led to Beal making headlines again after being benched by the two-time Coach of the year winner. As for the Wizards, it seems like they may be walking away with the best end of this deal after all.
Wizards look like geniuses for moving on from Beal
The Wizards signed Bradley Beal to a five-year, $251 million supermax deal prior to the team's deicison to move on from the talented guard. At the time, the deal seemed to be like Washington's last resort to keep the star in a Wizards uniform.
Following the deal, it seemed like Washington would be handicapped moving forward until the Suns swooped in and allowed for the Wizards to offload Beal's contract. Now, the Suns who are looking to make major moves to their roster as Jimmy Butler becomes available, are struggling to find a deal for Beal who many teams consider him and his contract as a non-starter to any deal.
Furthermore, the Suns can't move Beal without his approval being he holds the cards with a no-trade clause in his deal. Meanwhile, Washington is in the midst of their long-needed rebuild with the No. 1 overall pick in reach as the sweepstakes for Cooper Flagg heat up.