NBA Rumors: Will the Wizards deal Bradley Beal?

After last week’s blockbuster four-team trade involving James Harden and the Brooklyn Nets, presumably nothing that transpires in 2021 will be as exciting in comparison. But this is still the NBA, and there’s always some fascinating roster move right around the corner.

Let’s take a look at the latest trade rumors from across the Association.

Kevin Porter Jr. is up for grabs

A former first-round pick out of Southern California is soon to be up for grabs, as Kevin Porter Jr. and the Cleveland Cavaliers are set to part ways after a locker room outburst has left the young guard on the outs with the organization.

Porter was selected with the 30th pick of the 2019 NBA Draft and is just 20 years old, but his single-car accident arrest on Nov. 15 parlayed with his recent outburst has made him persona non grata within the organization.

The Cavaliers will try to find a trade partner for Porter, but it's far more likely they'll end up waiving him instead.

Brooklyn's roster is still in flux

The Nets sold the farm to bring in James Harden and make a run at a championship, and in doing so sent away more players than they received in return. As a result of this imbalance, there are roster spots open and a great number of league veterans who would probably love the opportunity to join Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Harden in their quest for a title.

The number of names linked to this plug-and-play second-team scenario is long, but some interesting players include Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Jamal Crawford, Michael Beasley, and Isaiah Thomas, along with more practical options like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Dewayne Dedmon. Stay tuned as Brooklyn continues to tinker.

All quiet on the Western front? 

While the Nets and Rockets stole last week’s headlines, the defending champions and presumed favorites have kept things close to the vest and quiet out West. The bulk of the Los Angeles Lakers’ roster moves likely occurred in the offseason, but seeing the Nets engage in a arms race may have Lakers management looking to bring in another piece. Two names worth considering are Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Rose, and Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine.

Both players would mesh well with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. And while LaVine would be especially costly, he presents a potential transitional focal point if/when LeBron begins his inevitable decline. LaVine is a former UCLA Bruin and almost certainly would be intrigued by the opportunity to come home and play for a contender.

Bradley Beal’s future is up in the air 

The Washington Wizards have been one of the teams most affected by COVID-19 positive cases and protocols. As a result, we haven’t seen their All-Star guard, Bradley Beal, on the court in quite some time. However, Beal's name still garners a lot of interest among teams with championship aspirations.

The Wizards have been a hopeless franchise for some time and have expressed interest in keeping their centerpiece longterm, but it feels like the sharks are circling the water in Washington. How long will the Wizards hold on to their superstar if an offer comes along that affords them the opportunity to rebuild in earnest?

The Miami Heat, New Orleans Pelicans, Los Angeles Lakers, and Philadelphia 76ers are all franchises that could benefit tremendously from adding Beal.