The Washington Wizards have reportedly made their All-Star shooting guard, Bradley Beal, available for trade talks.
After a tumultuous season thus far, full of in-fighting, losses, and overall dysfunction, the Wizards have made both members of their All-Star backcourt (Beal and John Wall) up for grabs.
A lot of teams likely were on the fence about both of these guys; the talent that they bring to the team is top-tier at their positions. However, their inability to be leaders and role models off the court is a big factor keeping GMs from picking up the phone and inquiring about both guys; more so about Wall, though.
Beal has generally stayed out of the drama, but seems to be fed up with the off-court distractions and the on-court disappointments (the Wizards are 6-11 on the season).
While he hasn't demanded a trade, he doesn't seem to be opposed to the idea, having reportedly voiced his complaints about the team's drama to team officials several times over the course of the season so far.
This year isn't the first time that this Wizards core has faced adversity though, with many former and current team members voicing displeasure at the attitudes of teammates and coaches.
So, seeing as Beal's name has been associated with the Raptors as of late, the question stands: do the Raptors want him? If so, how bad?
Depending on what the team would have to give up in order to acquire Beal, he would be a really good pickup for the Raptors. An All-Star shooting guard, he has the resume of a veteran while still being just 25 years of age.
On his career, Beal is averaging 18.8 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. So far this season, those numbers are up to 21.8, 3.7, and 4.5, down just slightly from his All-Star-year numbers of 22.6, 4.5, and 4.4.
Again, if the deal proposed by Washington is too one-sided, (and it likely will be) then the Raptors should not go for it. For instance, giving up multiple members of their young core of Siakam, VanVleet, Wright, or Anunoby, is too big of an ask. Giving up one of those guys plus someone like Ibaka or Valanciunas, who are both playing their tails off right now, is also a bit of a reach.
In the end, Bradley Beal is a good player in a bad situation and he would probably love to be traded to a stable team like the Toronto Raptors. Depending on what the Raptors would have to give up to get him, they should jump at the chance.