According to ESPN sources, rival teams have started contacting the Washington Wizards to discuss the potential trade of their star guard Bradley Beal, who has earned the title of three-time All-Star.
The team’s manager, Michael Wenger, and Beal’s agent, Marc Bartelstein from Priority Sports, have been in frequent communication to evaluate the trade scenarios that have been proposed to the Wizards.
After completing his first season on a $251 million, five-year contract, Bale has the unique position of being the only player in the current NBA with a negotiated no-trade clause, giving him the ability to control not only potential destinations but also on how his potential acquisition package will affect his ability to play for a competing team elsewhere.
If Wenger is inclined to fundamentally restructure a squad that has missed out on playoff wins in four of the last five seasons, teams will not only have to talk to Wenger and team principal Will Dawkins about swap ideas, they will also have to engage Bartelstein in a three-way conversation.
Talks about Bale’s future with the Wizards are expected to become more frequent as the NBA draft picks date on June 22 and the free transfer window begins on July 1, according to the sources.
Bell, who played his entire 11th season with Washington, enjoys a close relationship with the community and owner Ted Leonsis.
Despite this, Leonsis said he offered Wenger complete autonomy over whether he wanted to continue rebuilding the team with the Wizards or continue down the expensive high-profile talent path.
The Washington Wizards are awaiting decisions for options for forwards Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis, who both could become free players.
Bell averaged 23.2 points for a 51% percentage in 50 injury-hit games last season.
For his career, he averaged 22.1 points, including seasons in which he averaged over 30 points in the title in 2019-20 (30.5) and 2020-21 (31.3).
