Bradley Beal Trade Rumors: Heat Remain 'Very Interested' in Wizards Star
The Miami Heat are reportedly "very interested" in adding Bradley Beal through a trade if he becomes available, according to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
The organization has been seeking another star, with Giannis Antetokoumpo No. 1 on the list, but Beal is reportedly the No. 2 option.
Despite the apparent interest, the Washington Wizards aren't planning to trade the shooting guard.
"Bradley Beal isn't going anywhere," general manager Tommy Sheppard said Tuesday.
Beal is signed through at least 2022 and has a $37.3 million player option for 2022-23, and he is considered a franchise player for Washington.
"We're building this team around Bradley Beal," Sheppard said on The Lowe Post podcast last week (h/t RealGM). "He's a tremendous human being. He's a tremendous player. He's exactly what we want to have here with the Washington Wizards."
The two-time All-Star is coming off a career year offensively when he averaged 30.5 points per game, second best in the NBA behind only James Harden. He also added a career-best 6.1 assists per game while carrying the Wizards close to playoff contention.
The 27-year-old would be a huge addition for Miami, which is looking to get over the top after reaching the NBA Finals last season.
Beal would provide the team with another go-to perimeter option and a perfect complement to Jimmy Butler, who is mostly known for his inside scoring. Butler and Bam Adebayo could also help hide Beal's defensive deficiencies.
Even with the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets getting stronger, Miami could certainly be a favorite to win the Eastern Conference in 2020-21.
However, the Wizards seemingly plan to hold onto the talented guard as long as possible.
