Did Bradley BEAL make the right DEAL?

PLUS: Chris Paul landing spots

Author

Andy Elliott
June 20, 2023

The Playmaker Newsletter

3 min read

Talk about an unforgettable Father’s Day weekend in the Bartelstein household, as Mark Bartelstein, the agent of former Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal and father of Phoenix Suns’ CEO, pulled off an absolute blockbuster trade sending Beal to the Phoenix Suns for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, a handful of second-round picks, and multiple pick swaps.

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Out of all the potential suitors, did he make the right call by choosing the Suns as his ultimate destination?

In 2️⃣Day’s newsletter, we’re going to touch:

  • Grading the Bradley Beal Blockbuster Trade ✅ ❌

  • Chris Paul landing spots

In what could have been the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, and the Philadelphia 76ers, after years of speculation, Bradley Beal's future in Washington reached its climax on Sunday with the Wizards agreeing to trade the three-time All-Star to the Phoenix Suns.

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As a result, the Suns have only five players signed to their team right now…

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Beal has agreed to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the deal, which is expected to be finalized in the coming days. Let’s grade the trade…

Phoenix Suns Receive

  • Bradley Beal

  • Jordan Goodwin

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LACK OF DEPTH AND SALARY CAP LIMITATIONS

  • FROM A BASKETBALL PERSPECTIVE:

    • The Suns made a shrewd move by adding Bradley Beal to their roster at a discounted price.

  • DESPITE SOME RECENT STRUGGLES:

    • Beal's talent and scoring abilities make him a valuable addition.

  • THE SUNS ONLY HAD TO GIVE UP:

    • Chris Paul, Landry Shamet, and a few second-round picks.

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  • HOWEVER:

    • The deal raises concerns about the team's lack of depth and salary cap limitations. With a core group of five players 🔏locked 🔏 into long-term contracts: Durant, Booker, Beal, Ayton, and Cam Payne.

  • THEREFORE:

    • The Suns will likely be a tax-paying team for years to come.

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BOTTOM LINE

The Suns will face limitations in roster building and potential trades due to salary cap constraints, along with significant tax penalties for the new owner.

Whether Beal can propel them to success remains to be seen, with defense and depth being concerns. Nonetheless, the Suns are making a strong effort.

✍️ GRADE ✍️

Washington Wizards Receive

  • Chris Paul

  • Landry Shamet

  • Multiple second-round picks

  • Multiple pick-swaps

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WIZARDS FAIL AGAIN

  • THE WIZARDS’ TRADE OF BEAL IS:

    • Shocking, considering his no-trade clause and unfavorable contract.

  • THEY ESSENTIALLY:

    • Dumped the salary of a 29-year-old three-time All-Star, receiving minimal assets in return.

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  • IT HIGHLIGHTS:

    • The numerous mistakes the Wizards have made in recent years, particularly in handling Beal.

  • THEY HELD ONTO HIM FOR:

    • For too long. They rewarded him with a max extension and a no-trade clause, and now had to give him away without significant compensation.

  • THIS TRADEMARKS:

    • The start of a rebuild following the arrival of a highly anticipated prospect. It is undoubtedly a frustrating day for Wizards fans and the new front office.

✍️ GRADE ✍️

Although they kicked him out the door, Chris Paul's trade to the Wizards is mainly for salary-matching purposes in the deal for Bradley Beal to join the Suns.

Paul is expected to be traded or bought out, and the trade is delayed as they seek a third team interested in acquiring him. Who could those possible suitors be?

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  • With the Lakers having vacancies at point guard, both D'Angelo Russell and Dennis Schroder are now unrestricted free agents.

  • While Russell started for most of last season, his playoff performance was underwhelming, making him a potential sign-and-trade candidate if the Wizards show interest.

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  • To match Chris Paul's salary, the Lakers could consider guaranteeing contracts like Malik Beasley's $16.5 million or Mo Bamba's $10.3 million.

  • A probable deal structure might involve sending Beasley, Bamba, and a minor draft asset, such as a pick swap or second-round pick, to acquire Paul.

  • With Russell Westbrook entering free agency, the Clippers are limited in what they can offer him.

  • This opens the door for Paul to potentially replace Westbrook as the starting point guard through a trade or buyout.

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  • Paul's previous experience with the Clippers and the familiarity of new Wizards president Michael Winger with the organization add to the potential fit.

  • The potential deal framework would include Gordon, either Morris or Covington, and a draft asset or young player like Bones Hyland in exchange for Paul and salary filler.

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