By Shams Charania, Josh Robbins, Doug Haller
The Washington Wizards are in serious talks with the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns over a potential Bradley Beal trade, league sources said. The Athletic Saturday. Here’s what you should know:
- The Athletic Earlier this week, it was reported that the Wizards and Beal were working together to explore a trade to send an All-Star player to a competing team if they decided to reorganize.
- League officials also said The Athletic This week, the Suns and Chris Paul were exploring options to move guards, either in trades or waves.
- Beal appeared in 50 games for Washington last season, averaging 23.2 points, 5.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game.
- Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, is the father of Suns CEO Josh Bartelstein.
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Which players would a deal with the Heat and Suns include in a potential beer trade?
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possible trade packages
Considering Beal’s interest in the heat and Jimmy Butler’s desire to make the most of his remaining championship slots, Miami is the most likely suitor for Beal. Connecting the dots, Miami’s foreign trade package could revolve around a deal centered around Tyler Herro, or a combination of Duncan Robinson and Kyle Lowry. You’d think the Wizards would want the No. 18 pick in the next draft, too.
Phoenix owes the Nets a pick as part of the Kevin Durant trade and is in Stepien-ruled hell, leaving the shelf of tradable first-round picks empty for the Suns. A combination of beer’s Deandre Ayton and Landry Shamet would do well financially. — Robbins
How Will Beer Fit in Phoenix?
A Phoenix team with Devin Booker, Durant and Beal is exciting, but it would make the Suns even more top-heavy than they are now. And it’s worth questioning whether it’s the right direction. Beal, who will soon be 30, is one of the league’s top scorers when healthy, but his health is a concern.
GM James Jones may have the trade material to make this happen, especially if Washington is interested in Paul. Ayton’s deal could work as well. But one thing we learned from last season’s playoffs is that Phoenix didn’t lack star power, it lacked depth. Building a supporting cast around the Big 3 may be difficult, as Beal has $208 million in debt over four years (including player options for 2026-27). — Haller
back story
The Suns have emerged as a serious threat to Beal in recent days. Phoenix went 45-37 last season and acquired Durant before the trade deadline, but an injury to Paul ended the season in the semifinals.
The Heat, who reached the finals as the No. 8 seed, ended in a playoff loss on Monday.
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(Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
