The Suns' reported blockbuster trade for Bradley Beal had NBA fans crushing the Wizards
That didn’t take long.
Just four days ago, it was reported that the Washington Wizards and three-time All-Star guard Bradley Beal would work together on a trade. Come Sunday, it appeared that Beal would be on the move.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Wizards are finalizing a deal to send Beal to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, second-round picks and pick swaps. The Suns were reportedly planning on releasing Paul anyway and managed to turn him into Beal. If the trade goes through, Beal will join fellow All-Stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix.
BREAKING: The Washington Wizards are trading three-time All-Star Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, a handful of second-round picks, and multiple pick swaps, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 18, 2023
But as the news broke on Sunday, fans had plenty of questions. Beal’s addition and Paul’s exit would leave an obvious void at point guard in Phoenix. And the Suns’ cap situation may also lead to Deandre Ayton being the next to leave Phoenix. Beal’s fit alongside Booker and Durant could also make for an odd dynamic.
Yet, the Wizards came away looking rough here. From the Wizards’ perspective, it was a confusingly low return for Beal even with his no-trade clause. Why was this what they agreed to?
As expected, fans had plenty of thoughts on the massive trade.