One NBA writer is proposing that the Toronto Raptors acquire shooting guard Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards this summer.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Raptors trade small forward OG Anunoby, swingman Gary Trent Jr. and center Christian Koloko to the Wizards for Beal.
“For two teams who missed the East playoffs this season, the Raptors look to buy as the Wizards choose to reload,” Swartz wrote. “Beal is one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA, one that should pair extremely well with Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, and Scottie Barnes to help get Toronto back into the playoffs.”
“Washington finally moves on from Beal but adds one of the best wing defenders in the NBA with Anunoby, and it gets Trent as a replacement at shooting guard in a sign-and-trade,” Swartz explained. “Koloko is one of the better young shot-blockers in the NBA, keeping the Wizards competitive while also getting deeper overall.”
This trade can only happen if Beal waives his no-trade clause. The three-time All-Star signed a massive five-year, $251 million maximum contract with Washington in the summer of 2022.
Beal is one of the top scorers in the NBA. He averaged 23.2 points this season for the Wizards while shooting 50.6% overall, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line in 50 games. The 29-year-old has remained loyal to the Wizards despite the franchise never coming close to winning a championship, but Swartz believes it’s time for Beal to request a trade.
The Raptors lost to the Chicago Bulls in the 9-10 play-in game at home this year. They could potentially make some noise in the East next if Beal came to Toronto and Fred VanVleet stays. FVV can become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his 2023-24 player option.
Pairing Beal next to Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes sounds like a match made in heaven, and if VanVleet is back, the Raptors would have a lethal Big 4.
More must-reads: