NBA Trade Rumors: Bradley Beal, Not John Wall, Getting More Interest

The Washington Wizards will likely be entertaining a much greater interest in Bradley Beal than fellow All-Star John Wall.

With the Wizards struggling this season with a 7-12 record, it came to light from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski earlier this month that unlike before, Washington were open to trade discussions over each of their players, including Beal and Wall.

"Washington's preference remains to reshape the team around Wall and Beal, but poor play among key teammates is limiting their trade value and paralyzing the Wizards' efforts to make meaningful changes to a roster that no longer appears functional together, league sources said," Wojnarowski wrote.

"The Wizards (5-11) have resisted involving Wall or Beal in previous trade talks, including discussions that they held for the league's past two available stars, Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler, league sources said. While Washington hasn't shopped its All-Star backcourt, it is rapidly becoming apparent to the organization that it needs to start considering overtures for them," he said.

The news led to various speculation and potential trade suggestions for the duo, but according to Wojnarowski, it is Beal who will likely attract a broader market compared to Wall.

“John Wall is a very different situation [from Bradley Beal],” Wojnarowski said recently on his podcast, as quoted on Clutch Points. “You can count on one hand, and probably with just a couple of fingers places that really might have interest in taking his contract on and what it all means to bring him in."

“I would never say there’s no market for John Wall, but I think Bradley Beal has a much broader market. But if Washington was going to do something, they would have to get every last asset they could for Bradley Beal,” he added.

The reason for this is Wall's contract.

While he is three years older than Beal and much more experienced, his contract is not as manageable for future teams as a four-year contract extension will kick in during the 2019/20 season, earning him $38.2 million next season and an average of $42 million over the course of the deal. He is currently earning $19.1 million this season.

Beal, however, is not only younger at 25, while some would argue he has more potential as well, but has a more manageable contract. He is earning $25.4 million this season and will be owed a remainder of $55.8 million starting from next season until he hits free agency in 2021.

The Charlotte Hornets have already inquired about him while a number of other teams should also be interested, with the Los Angeles Lakers being touted as a potential destination.

According to ESPN's Zach Lowe though, Washington are not ready to give him up for cheap.

"I think what they’re asking for Beal, from what I’ve heard, makes him functionally not available," Lowe reported, as quoted on Yahoo. "But maybe. Maybe some team throws the Brinks truck or their price comes down."