Lakers Already Apparently Out Of Running In Trade Sweepstakes For All-Star Guard
Ever since word broke earlier this week that ex-All-Star Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal, who has a no-trade clause he'd have to waive, is open to figuring out a deal with the Wiz to ship him elsewhere, your Los Angeles Lakers have been a big part of that hypothetical conversation.
Now, apparently, they are already out of the running for the three-time All-Star's services.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that the Wizards are already in "serious" discussions with two non-Lakers playoff clubs, the Miami Heat (hot off an NBA Finals appearance) and the Phoenix Suns, to acquire Beal for fairly cheap packages, all things considered.
Beal will be owed $46.7 million once the league officially rolls over to the 2023-24 season on July 1st, so if he is flipped before then he'd be owed $43.3 million, meaning a team would have to put together less money this year.
Per Marc Stein, another long-discussed Lakers summer target, Portland Trail Blazers All-NBA point guard Damian Lillard, would also be the Heat's preferred new star backcourt piece over Beal, but Lillard has yet to indicate to Portland officially that he would like to be moved. It appears that if the Trail Blazers are unable to package their No. 3 pick in next week's draft into a complimentary star player alongside Lillard, it seems quite possible he would try to be moved.
The Heat would most likely package the contract of one of its somewhat-overpaid guards, Kyle Lowry (owed $29.7 million next year) or Tyler Herro ($27 million), and would include a role player like Duncan Robinson, Caleb Martin or Victor Oladipo. Miami could include up to three first round draft selections in a trade, as well, though yours truly is skeptical that Beal would warrant more than two.
Another possible LA trade target, Phoenix point guard Chris Paul, seems likely to be included in a potential Beal deal. Center Deandre Ayton, owed a similar sum, has more upside, however. The Suns could provide first round pick swaps in 2024 and 2026, though they don't have any of their own first rounders to outright give the Wizards. The $10.3 million contract of reserve combo guard Landry Shamet seems likely to be included in a deal.
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