“If there’s a next thing that can take us to another level, I’m open to it”, Pat Riley said during his press conference last Friday. After reaching the NBA Finals this year, the Miami Heat are still looking to add another star. Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the team’s number one target. The next one on the list is Bradley Beal. For the past two years, Miami has tried to acquire Beal from the Washington Wizards but failed.
Coming off his best statistical season, Beal remains a desirable trade target. On JJ Redick‘s podcast, the all-star guard said teams have inquired about his availability on the trade block.
“Teams are trying,” he said on The Old Man and the Three Podcast. “A lot of them are calling. A lot of them are inquiring and putting packages together and trying to see if they can get me. That’s not a secret. They’ve been doing for the last couple years. I don’t view it as a distraction; it’s kind of a sign of respect, and motivational too.”
It’s not surprising that teams are after Beal. He is one of the elite playmakers in the league, averaging 30 points and six assists per game last season. And with the Wizards nowhere near contention, it’s common for teams to check on his availability. Contenders like Miami, the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Golden State Warriors have been linked to him.
Beal has made it known he wants to remain a Wizard. Last summer, he signed a two-year extension to give the team another year to build a contender. Should things continue to go south, Beal says the deal also gives him some flexibility to move if he desires.
“It was more or less ‘do I want to have something built around me?’ or do I want to ‘test the waters’? I signed my deal and structured it to where I still have some flexibility because at the end of the day I still want to win. The organization has to show me that we want to win. I want to see what John (Wall)’s like as well. There’s always going to be hope in that direction but you still want to protect yourself and be selfish in that regard. How can I create some type of flexibility for myself if we aren’t winning?”
It wouldn’t be surprising if Miami makes another run at him, especially if Giannis re-signs with Milwaukee. However, they are going to need Beal to ask out and tell the Wizards that Miami is his preferred destination. Any deal for Beal would likely have to include Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, and a couple of first round picks. Is that enough for Beal? Maybe not. And the Heat are not trading Bam Adebayo.
Still, Miami has options. They can wait another year for Giannis or try to make big trade now. These are decisions the team will mull over the next couple of months. With flexibility over the next two free agencies, it’s a great problem to have.
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