Getty Image / G Fiume
Early on in the NBA offseason, there is one big name that has been at the center of some of the league’s most notable trade talks.
While many other stars are just rumored to be changing teams this offseason, Bradley Beal leaving the Washington Wizards has appeared to be just about a sure thing.
He has been linked to a few contenders around the league and the Wizards even gave him permission to talk to teams and look for a trade partner.
Now it looks like Beal is getting close to actually finding his next team.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Wizards are currently in serious talks with the Miami Heat, who have seemed to be the favorite to land Beal, and the Phoenix Suns, who have suddenly emerged as a real contender for Beal.
Developing: Washington is in serious talks with two finalists – Miami and Phoenix – on a Bradley Beal trade, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The Suns have emerged as a serious threat for Beal, who holds a no-trade clause.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 17, 2023
Beal would give the Miami Heat the true second star that Jimmy Butler has deserved for years after he has led the team to a pair of Finals appearances and an Eastern Conference Finals appearance over the last 4 seasons.
Landing Beal would keep the Heat as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
However, Beal would be a very interesting move for the Suns as well. They already have two of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive players in Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, who carried the team to a pair of wins over the Nuggets in the 2nd round of the playoffs.
The move would make the Suns’ biggest strength even more impressive as they’d be adding another player who averaged 23 points per game to that offense.
What it wouldn’t do is improve them on the side of the court where they actually need help. The Phoenix Suns played no defense during the playoffs. They’d also still need to bring in a new point guard to replace Chris Paul.
With either of these teams, Bradley Beal would finally end up on a contender after years with disappointing Wizards squads.
Wherever he goes will definitely factor heavily in the NBA’s title picture next season.