NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal Trade Unlikely In 2019, Washington Wizards Want To Sign Star Through 2024

Bradley Beal has been at the center of trade rumors for weeks, and the speculation could continue throughout the summer. The Washington Wizards are looking to squash any idea that the guard could be dealt as they prepare to lock him into a contract that will extend into the All-Star’s 30s.

Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the organization will offer Beal a three-year, $111 million extension when Washington is eligible to do so Friday. Beal is currently owed close to $56 million over the next two years, and the new contract would start at the beginning of the 2021-2022 season.

“There are moments in a career where there are big decisions to make, and Brad will work through everything and figure out the right thing to do,” agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN. “There are nothing but great feelings for (owner) Ted [Leonsis], Tommy and (head coach) Scott [Brooks]. They've treated Brad wonderfully.”

Beal, 26, is widely viewed as the next All-Star that could be traded. He can walk as a free agent in two seasons, and the Wizards have little room to create a contending roster during that time.

John Wall’s supermax contract might be the worst contract in the NBA, now that the point guard is coming off a torn Achilles. Wall could miss all of the upcoming season. Both Wall and Beal will make a combined $69.9 million in the 2020-2021 season.

Washington went 32-50 in 2018-2019, despite Beal having a career-year and nearly becoming a Third-Team All-NBA selection. The shooting guard averaged 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game on 47.5 percent shooting. Only LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo put up those averages or better last season.

The New Orleans Pelicans began to entertain offers for Anthony Davis last season when he had two years left on his contract. The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Paul George this summer when he asked to be moved two years before he could hit free agency.

Sheppard told ESPN that Washington doesn’t plan to trade Beal, even if he turns down the extension. Kevin O'Conner of The Ringer reported last month that Washington would need to be blown away with an offer to even considering dealing their best player.

Rumors of the Miami Heat potentially trading for Beal seem to have little to no truth to them.

Beal has not indicated that he wants out of Washington.