USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) stands on the court with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 26, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) stands on the court with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Bradley Beal has become one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA. Arguably one of the best scorers, Beal has been topping the scoring charts for the last two seasons. But his individual contributions haven’t paid off for the 28-year-old.
Playing for the Washington Wizards, Beal hasn’t had much success because of a lackluster supporting cast. After failing to make it to the playoffs in the 2019-20 season, Washington barely made it to the post-season in the 2020-21 season.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 31, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook (4) celebrates with teammates after making the go ahead the go ahead three point field goal against the Brooklyn Nets in the final seconds in the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
With Russell Westbrook stepping up as a great co-star, the Wizards made it to the play-in tournament. After a well-fought battle against the Pacers, Washington set up a battle against the 76ers. But they ultimately faltered in the playoffs in 5 games continuing their disappointing run of early playoff exits.
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Washington Wizards in risk of losing Bradley Beal & Russell Westbrook
The Wizards undoubtedly were too much dependent on the duo of Beal and Westbrook. Despite their lackluster supporting cast, Beal and Westbrook were essential in leading the otherwise depleted Wizards team to an eighth place finish. But given the quality of the team they are only a playoff team.
Given their superstars are aging and their prime is running time, only a playoff appearance might not suffice for the backcourt duo. According to latest reports, Bradley Beal might be considering a trade request from the team in the near future.
Word has spread across front offices around the NBA: Bradley Beal is weighing whether to request a trade from the Washington Wizards.
“He knows he has to make a decision before the draft,” said one source with knowledge of Beal’s thinking. More @BR_NBA: https://t.co/M1vhNx0ZRn
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 24, 2021
Beal who has spent eight seasons in the capital has barely has had any success. In the eight seasons he has played, Beal has only mustered 3 All-Star appearances and an All-NBA appearance. But a trade might be a game-changer. Beal can certainly be a great superstar addition and a trade to a contender will help his legacy as well.
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Russell Westbrook on the other hand has had multiple individual accolades over the years. But one trophy has eluded him, the NBA championship. But that might change very soon. According to reports, LeBron James and the Lakers are interested in trading for the former MVP.
Have heard that the Lakers have developed some traction in their pursuit of Russell Westbrook, for what it’s worth. https://t.co/LCDt2Jz9Ew
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) July 24, 2021
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Westbrook alongside LeBron and Anthony Davis will work like a charm. A fantastic playmaker, Westbrook might be the superstar point guard the Lake show need.
A rebuild is long overdue for the Wizards and with teams interested in trading for their backcourt duo, Washington should look to stack up assets and build on younger talented players. Will the Washington Wizards trade their superstar duo?
