Could Bradley Beal bolt Washington for Philadelphia? That’s what Beal may be intending to do, according to former No. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Bogut.
On his podcast “Rogue Bogues,” Bogut said his sources told him Beal is “trying to get” to the Philadelphia 76ers to join center Joel Embiid and star guard James Harden.
“I’ve heard a pretty big rumor … from some people that are pretty close to the situation in the NBA: Big three to Philly. Brad Beal is trying to get to Philadelphia in the offseason to team up with Harden and Embiid.”
Now consider the source of the rumor. But, there has been a great deal of speculation about Beal’s future with the Washington Wizards. Before the 76ers landed Harden in last month’s blockbuster trade, Embiid pushed for the team to get Beal.
Beal could land a five-year, $246 million contract extension this summer if he declines his player option for the 2022-23 under his current deal.
Beal’s name has surfaced around trade rumors the past couple of seasons. But, he has showcased a high-level of loyalty to the Wizards. That loyalty may be put to test soon as the Wizards continue to struggle.
Washington hasn’t had a winning season since the 2017-18 season. Beal is out for the remainder of the season following wrist surgery. Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard has shuffled the roster multiple times since offseason of the 2020-21 season all to appease Beal to stay in the nation’s capital.
Meanwhile, the 76ers are looking to move on from the bloated contract of Tobias Harris. Harris is in the third year of a five-year, $180 million pact. Using him would be a baseline for landing a deal for Beal.
“Philly’s desperate, obviously, to try to get off Harris, anyway,” Bogut said. “They have been for a while and I think they’re even more desperate now to free up that cap space somehow. It will most likely have to be a sign-and-trade with Philly. But don’t be surprised if a big three forms in Philly. That’s the word on the street.”
Last week, Beal teased the idea of signing his extension with Washington. But if he desires a better situation than the Wizards, he could force his way out with a sign-and-trade being the best method.
What would be sufficient for Sheppard and the Wizards? The 76ers have a couple of young assets including Tyrese Maxey in addition to Harris. Maxey has thrived early with the arrival of Harden. But he plays the same position as Beal. Thus, moving him for a three-time All-Star would be easy for Philadelphia.
Certainly, there would be more pieces to the puzzle to orchestrate such a deal. It’s all speculation for now. Time will tell this summer if this is nothing more than a rumor.
