NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal Outburst Meant To Fire Up Wizards, Trade Speculations Off

KEY POINTS

Bradley Beal wants the Wizards to play better games and win
Beal's outburst has spurred potential NBA trade talks
Wizards are dealing with injuries to key players

Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards was one of the popular names last NBA offseason. Most speculated that he would be moving to a new team but all that was shot down prior to the opening of the regular season. He was given a two-year contract extension although a deal could still be in the air but by this summer.

A look at Spotrac shows that Beal is due to earn $27 million this season and $28 million in 2020-21. He does have a player option by the 2022-23 NBA season, meaning he could be a free agent in 2022. As far as an immediate trade is concerned, the earliest time that could happen is by the summer, CBS Sports reported.

Following a 115-106 loss to the Chicago Bulls, Beal was visibly upset. He barked that he was sick of losing, especially the ones where the Wizards had a good chance of winning.

Bradley Beal was particularly down after tonight’s loss in Chicago.

On why this loss was hitting him harder than usual: “They all do. I don’t like losing. I’m sorry. Especially winnable games.”

On if it builds up: “Yeah, I would hope it does. I don’t like losing.” pic.twitter.com/SYSY1CkQaf
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) January 16, 2020

"Winning games," he said. "Get that winning attitude and winning habits, and we don't have them."

As of this writing, Washington sits at 12th place of the NBA Eastern Conference with a 13-27 win-loss card. Mathematically, it is still possible for them to catch the bus to the postseason wars. As to how deep they can go is another question. With the possibility of meeting top-tier teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks or the Boston Celtics, their chances are not that good of going deep.

As far as his comments, most have now brought up the possibility of Beal being traded at some point moving forward. However, it may still be too early. There is also that angle where the 26-year-old is simply frustrated or wanting to send a message to Wizards management.

Washington has not been spared from injuries to key players. Notably absent is John Wall who is unlikely to make a return this season. Also not at 100-percent is Thomas Bryant and Davis Bertans. Given these circumstances, asking the Wizards to play better may be a tall order.

As for a future NBA trade involving Beal, anything can happen. It may all hinge on what Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis has planned. Player movement will happen, the earliest before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline. But major changes are to be expected in the offseason. From there, Beal may have a better picture of what the franchise outlook really is.