Wizards reportedly gave 'real consideration' to bringing back Bradley Beal at trade deadline
Trade talk drives the NBA's online discourse, even when the reality of such a trade ever happening is as likely as 'Madame Web' winning the Oscar for Best Picture.
Case in point, the note from Marc Stein over the weekend:
"[The Washington Wizards] gave real consideration to bringing Beal to the nation's capital. The Wizards, of course, are the team that gave Beal that monster five-year, $251 million contract adorned with a full no-trade clause in the first place. Beal has two seasons left on the deal after this one valued at nearly $111 million.'
Beal's no-trade clause and the inability to move him ended up being the death of a Jimmy Butler to the Suns trade — does anyone in their right mind think Beal was going to waive his no-trade clause and uproot his family to go to the worst team in the NBA? Even with Beal's ties to our nation's capital, there is zero chance that would have happened. Less than zero, in reality. This trade was never going to happen.
This feels like a good time to restate that saying a team discussed something internally is next to meaningless. It is the job of a front office to be prepared for anything, which leads to plenty of wild speculation and thought exercises on things that are never likely to happen. Just in case. In that vein, of course the Wizards discussed bringing back Beal if they could get enough draft picks in the swap to fortify their rebuilding efforts. They should have discussed it.
That is very different from Beal approving it or the entire trade coming together.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
41 minutes ago
- USA Today
Rumor: Raptors high on Duke center Khaman Maluach ahead of 2025 NBA draft
Khaman Maluach is a highly touted prospect, and the former Duke center is reportedly drawing interest from several teams ahead of the 2025 NBA draft, including the Toronto Raptors. Maluach was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2% shooting from the field in 39 games. He ranked sixth in the country in offensive rebound percentage (16.5) and 2-point percentage (75.4). The 7-footer is reportedly having a strong predraft showing and moving up boards after recently dazzling in his pro day. He has been linked to the Raptors at No. 9 and is high on their radar, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line on Substack. One thing teams seem to agree on: Duke center Khaman Maluach is largely viewed as the leading center prospect in this class. And Toronto, sources say, is among the clubs that highly value the 7-foot-2 big man who played for South Sudan's national team in the 2024 Summer Olympics. Maluach, born in South Sudan, scored in double figures 17 times, including a season-high 19 points, 10 rebounds and one blocked shot on Jan. 11 in a win over Notre Dame. He ranked third among all freshmen in the conference in double-doubles (5). Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle The 18-year-old dazzled last season with the Blue Devils, protecting the rim thanks to his size and 7-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan. He brings great athleticism to the position, enabling him to work in the post as a lob threat or finisher at the rim. Maluach is considered a top-10 pick, though some have him going even higher. He'll likely warrant a look by most teams drafting early on June 25-26, with the Raptors among them.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Thunder Coach Mark Daigneault Exudes Confidence With Game 2 Comments
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entering Game 2 of the NBA Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder are in a position that not many expected them to be in. Oklahoma City trails the Indiana Pacers in the series after collapsing in Game 1. More NBA news: Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals Game 1 Draws Lowest Audience in Nearly 40 Years But the Thunder will have Game 2 played on their home floor once again, and the team has been excellent in front of its fans. Oklahoma City will look to avoid going down 2-0 in the series, and they seem to be very confident entering Game 2. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault spoke about the mindset of the team entering the second game, and his comments exuded confidence. "There's no team I'm more confident in being ready to play, really in any situation than ours." "There's no team I'm more confident in being ready to play... than ours." Mark Daigneault has trust in his guys to respond in Game 2 💯👏 IND (1-0) OKC | Sunday at 8pm/et | ABC — NBA (@NBA) June 7, 2025 Daigneault understands that this series should be a battle, even though many others expected it to be a rout. Indiana has been playing lights out since the second half of the season, and they have used that face to boost the run to the NBA Finals. OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 05: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center... OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 05: Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 05, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. More Photo byWhile many have counted out the Pacers, the Thunder aren't one of them. Oklahoma City got a taste of that reality in Game 1, and they will look to make sure not to allow Indiana to win two straight on the road. More NBA news: Shaquille O'Neal Shares Harsh Criticism for Thunder After NBA Finals Loss Even Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn't seem too worried after the Game 1 loss. Gilgeous-Alexander spoke out about the loss and put everything into perspective for his team. "The series isn't first to one, it's first to four," Gilgeous-Alexander said after dropping a game-high 38 points. "We have four more games to get, they have three. That's just where we are." The Thunder will need to regroup in Game 2 and get back to the basics. While the defense was strong, the offense was lacking in different areas. More NBA news: Thunder Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Speaks Out Following NBA Finals Game 1 Collapse Oklahoma City was the best team during the regular season all year long, and they will likely be out to prove that fact in the next game. If the Pacers were to take a 2-0 lead in the series, it could be very tough for the Thunder to pull off the comeback. Game 2 between the teams is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 8, at 8 p.m. ET. More NBA news: Jon Gruden Makes Shocking Pick in Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals Clippers Seen as Sleeper Team to Land Former NBA MVP: Report For more on Pacers, Thunder, and general NBA news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Danny Ainge's final Boston Celtics draft class helped pave way to title
While the 2020 NBA Draft was remote in the middle of the pandemic, it ended up being an important night for the Celtics. That was also then-Boston president Danny Ainge's final draft class for the C's as he nailed a couple first-round picks. He then made way for Brad Stevens a few months later. Turns out, those picks were huge for the Celtics to help them win the 2024 NBA title. Back then, the C's selected Aaron Nesmith at No. 14 and Payton Pritchard at No. 26 in the first round. They also traded away the pick that became Desmond Bane, along with taking Yam Madar in the second round. Advertisement But the two draft picks in Nesmith and Pritchard became big hits, especially considering where they were taken. Pritchard enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 season, being named the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year. Notably, he became a key part of the rotation this season as a playoff contributor. Plus, his four-year, $30 million contract is one of the best value deals in the league. Nesmith also showcased how good he can be as he helped the Pacers stun the Knicks in Game 1 of the East Finals. The Vanderbilt product couldn't get consistent playing time on a crowded Celtics roster as he was part of the 2022 NBA Finals run. But Nesmith was also a part in landing Malcolm Brogdon from the Pacers back in the 2022 offseason. While Brogdon only spent one season with the Celtics, also earning Sixth Man of the Year honors, his contract was also important. Brogdon was part of the trade package sent to the Trail Blazers to get Jrue Holiday, who had just been traded from the Bucks. Holiday, of course, was an integral member of the 2024 NBA title run. So, it took a few steps, but the C's benefited as they got to their ultimate goal of Banner No. 18. Nesmith struggled to get playing time in Boston, but he's now a starting piece for the Indiana operation. He's averaging 16.0 points and 6.1 rebounds in 11 playoff games, including shooting 53.8% on his 3-pointers. Nesmith is also an energy guy as that's been evident during this Pacers run to the East Finals and perhaps beyond. Advertisement Pritchard figures to be part of the Celtics for the foreseeable future. He proved last season that he can impact the game on a nightly basis and in a playoff setting. The C's will look to offload salary this summer to cut down on costs, so Pritchard could see his role expand depending on what moves the front office makes this summer. So, Ainge's final draft class ended up helping the Celtics significantly now five years later. Of course, drafting Jaylen Brown then Jayson Tatum in back-to-back years laid the foundation for years to come. But one of his lesser-known draft classes, in a couple solid picks, also helped along the way. More Celtics content Read the original article on MassLive.
