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[Saba Sports News] Just a few years ago, John Wall and Bradley Beal were the faces of the Washington Wizards.
Drafted third overall in 2012, Beal quickly established himself, earning spots on the NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013), All-NBA Third Team (’21), and the All-Star team (’18, ’19, ’21).
However, the Wizards never managed to build a championship-caliber roster around him. With a new front office in 2023, both Beal and the team agreed it was time for a fresh start.
On the “Run Your Race” podcast, Beal expressed appreciation for the way the Wizards handled his trade. “The minute DC made that change in the front office…they said, ‘Aye B, it’s time. Let’s get you somewhere you can win, and we’ll rebuild.’ I thought that was one of the most respectful things I’ve heard,” Beal shared.
Beal averaged 22.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists over 11 seasons with Washington. His five-year, $251 million deal, however, limited the team’s flexibility under the salary cap.
Ultimately, the Wizards traded Beal, Jordan Goodwin, and Isaiah Todd to the Phoenix Suns on June 23, 2023, for a haul of draft picks and salary relief. This move allowed the Wizards to focus on a rebuild with a young core of Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George, while acquiring 11 first-round and 17 second-round picks through 2031.
The Wizards are now retooling around Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma, while Phoenix adds Beal to a star-studded lineup alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.
In his first season with the Suns, Beal averaged 18.2 points on 51.3% shooting with 4.4 rebounds and five assists per game, though they were swept in the Western Conference Quarterfinals by the Timberwolves.