Wizards in serious talks with Heat, Suns on Bradley Beal trade: Sources

By Shams Charania, Josh Robbins and Doug Haller

The Washington Wizards are in serious talks with the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns on a potential trade for Bradley Beal, league sources told The Athletic on Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:

• The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Wizards and Beal were working together to find a trade that would send the All-Star to a contending team if the organization decided to pursue a rebuild.
• League sources also told The Athletic this week that the Suns and Chris Paul were exploring options to move the guard, either by trade or waiving.
• Beal averaged 23.2 points, 5.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game in 50 contests for Washington last season.
• Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, is the father of Suns’ CEO Josh Bartelstein.

The Athletic’s instant analysis:

Possible trade packages

Miami has been considered the most likely suitor for Beal, given Beal’s interest in the Heat and their desire to make best use of Jimmy Butler’s remaining championship window. Just connecting the dots, Miami’s outgoing trade package could revolve around a deal with Tyler Herro as the centerpiece or alternatively a combination of Duncan Robinson and Kyle Lowry. You’d think the Wizards would also want the 18th pick in the upcoming draft.

The Suns’ cupboard of first-round picks available for trade is empty because Phoenix owes picks to the Nets as part of the Kevin Durant trade, putting them in Stepien rule hell. A combination of Deandre Ayton and Landry Shamet for Beal would work financially. — Robbins

How would Beal fit in Phoenix

A Phoenix team with Devin Booker, Durant and Beal would be exciting, but it would make the Suns more top heavy than they already are. And it’s worth questioning whether that’s the right direction to go. When healthy, Beal, about to turn 30, is one of the league’s top scorers, but his health has been a concern.

GM James Jones might have the trade pieces to make this work, especially if Washington has interest in Paul. Trading Ayton could work as well. But one thing we learned in this past season’s playoffs is that Phoenix didn’t lack for star power, it lacked for depth. With Beal owed $208 million over four years (2026-27 player option included), building the supporting cast around the Big 3 might prove difficult. — Haller

Backstory

The Suns emerged as a serious threat for Beal in recent days. Phoenix went 45-37 last season and acquired Durant at the trade deadline, but saw its season end in the semifinals as Paul was injured.

The Heat’s playoff run to the finals as a No. 8 seed ended in defeat Monday.

Required reading

(Photo: Christian Petersen / Getty Images)