As rumors intensify with the approach of free agency, several stars are turning the heads of franchises. One of them, ahead of Damian Lillard and Ben Simmons, would outright hold the unofficial title of the most coveted player of the summer.
The Draft is approaching, the free agency too, and the phones of all or almost all franchises are heating up severely. While some teams have more modest goals, others are aiming for the Grail: the arrival of a superstar in their team. This is particularly the case of the Lakers, who, it is common knowledge, are looking for a third star to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Among the big names that can be snatched via trade, we obviously think of Damian Lillard and Ben Simmons, who are headliners … or almost. Indeed, Zach Harper of The Athletic reports that the two players were stolen the spotlight by a certain Bradley Beal:
Report: Bradley Beal is the “top trade target” if he requested a trade;
“League sources have said because of his age & game, he’d jump to the top of the list teams scramble to acquire. Even past Damian Lillard (older) and Ben Simmons (younger but more flawed).”
via @talkhoops pic.twitter.com/4cia1Lz5hA
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 27, 2021
Bradley Beal is the “top target” of the summer if he were to request a trade. “Sources in the league say that given his age and his game, he would leap to the top of the list of players the teams are fighting for. Even ahead of Damian Lillard (older) and Ben Simmons (younger but with serious deficiencies).
Astonishing? Not really. At just 28 years old, the rear comes out of a monumental season averaging 31.3 points, all at 48.5% shooting.
Beal can certainly be improved in defense, he who does not always have the intensity expected in a title contender. No doubt that if he left, however, he would adapt quickly. The latest rumors show a deep reflection on the part of the player, who is still considering the two options available to him: continue in Washington, or request a trade.
If it is the latter option that is chosen, still according to The Athletic, the Wizards should move towards a total reconstruction, and Russell Westbrook would also be traded. We are obviously not there yet, but many franchises are watching the file very, very closely, for one or the other.
Bradley Beal’s odds have never been so high in the NBA sphere, even to the point of overtaking Damian Lillard as the most coveted contract player of the summer. A fair reward for him.
