The Golden State Warriors could ‘sneak in’ to the race for Washington Wizards’ guard Bradley Beal, despite belief that the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat are finalists to secure the services of the three-time All-Star.
On Saturday, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Wizards were in serious talks with the Heat and in particular the Suns who could form a new big three with Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
However, in the wake of Charania’s report, Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico revealed the Warriors could remain in the hunt for Beal who’s coming off a season where he averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists on a career-high 50.6% shooting from the field.
The 29-year-old still has four years remaining on the massive five-year, $251 million contract he signed with the Wizards last offseason, one that also includes a $57.1 player option for the 2026-27 season.
Even a combination of youngsters Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga leaves the Warriors short on Beal’s $46.7 million salary for next season, meaning the franchise would likely have to include either Gary Payton II or Moses Moody.
Alternatively, The Volume’s Jason Timpf suggested earlier in the week that Golden State flip future hall-of-famer Klay Thompson in a package for Beal, allowing the franchise to keep a hold of Kuminga’s two-way talent.
Importantly, Beal holds the NBA’s only no-trade clause, meaning any deal cannot go through without his tick of approval. The condition could allow the 29-year-old to force his way to a particular team, in doing so potentially reducing the value Washington receives in return.
New Warriors’ General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. faces a baptism of fire in the role, with trade speculation aplenty surrounding Poole and Kuminga. He’ll also need to negotiate a new contract for Draymond Green, but not before he and the front office take the 19th pick to next week’s NBA Draft.