Wizards GM: Bradley Beal hasn't requested trade

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Wizards GM Tommy Sheppard: Bradley Beal hasn't requested trade ahead of 2021 NBA Draft

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/28/21

Earlier this week, Fred Katz of The Athletic reported Washington Wizards star guard Bradley Beal wasn't thrilled with the process that ended with the team hiring former Denver Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr. as their next head coach. Beal was keen on Philadelphia 76ers assistant Sam Cassell and allegedly was so upset Cassell didn't get a second interview with Washington that he could request a trade.

The 28-year-old still has time to approach the front office before the 2021 NBA Draft tips off on Thursday, but Washington general manager Tommy Sheppard said Wednesday neither Beal nor his representatives have made such a demand.

Tommy Sheppard says neither Bradley Beal nor his representatives have requested a trade. He says he continues to believe that there are FAs who would "love" to play with Beal & Russell Westbrook, though the Wiz only have the non-taxpayer MLE when free agency starts this weekend.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 28, 2021

Keeping the duo of Beal and Russell Westbrook happy must be Washington's top objective for at least the next few months, in part because Beal's current contract includes a player option for the 2022-23 season. If, however, he's not willing to extend his deal before the next trade deadline approaches, the Wizards understandably may feel they can't risk losing such a valuable asset for nothing in return.

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