This is one of the first times Beal’s potential trade has escalated to the point where it could really be on the table. However, there is a big caveat in all of this, and that is the fact that Bale has a no-trade clause in his contract for five years, up to a maximum of $251 million.
to go a step further, CBS Sports Explain that Bill can not only control where he goes but also what kind of package the opposing team will need to give up in order to get him. This obviously adds another layer to any interest teams Beal might have, but there are sure to be solid performances brought to the table sometime in this off-season.
Three potential business suitors for Bradley Beal
San Antonio Spurs
The idea of the Spurs landing Beal via a trade while they are on the verge of drafting elite NBA draft Victor Wimpanyama “End of Rebuild” is written all over it. Beal and Wembanyama will be fun to watch on Earth together, and the current Wizards star will likely have no problem taking on a mentor-type role in the process.
In order to make it happen, it may involve some contracts that are incredibly unappealing to Wizards, but there are some selling points. A trade involving Beal to San Antonio for Keldon Johnson, Devonte Graham and Doug McDermott could work. Johnson may be the main selling point, but Graham’s scoring and playmaking ability should not be underestimated.
Atlanta Hawks
Bradley Bell on Trae Young? It works on paper, and while the Falcons seem open to dealing with youngsters, this might be something worth watching. It will be interesting to see what it will take for the Hawks to close a deal. The bigger question may be whether Atlanta has the chops or can make a move or two to add the chops that would result in Bell waiving the no-trade clause.
There is definitely an appeal to the Hawks roster, but when you compare it to the idea of playing Wembanyama and having Gregg Popovich as your coach, the choice comes out as the obvious No. 2.
New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have taken a huge step forward this season. If Beal can step in and add more firepower on the side of Jalen Brunson, the storied franchise could look legitimately intimidating. Knicks fans seem to be getting sick of Julius Randle at the moment, so moving him along with Emmanuel Kwikley and adding Evan Fournier’s contract as a starting point could tempt the Wizards.
Beyond that, the core of what the Knicks will still have is strong. They could choose to change around the deal a bit and include RJ Barrett instead of Quickley or perhaps Randle, but it’s interesting to note the different options on the table for the Knicks.