The Bradley Beal trade has the All-Star going to the Suns, but a third team might get involved in order to facilitate Chris Paul landing with a contender.
The Bradley Beal trade sent shockwaves throughout the league with the Wizards sending the All-Star to the Phoenix Suns. But it also might not be done.
According to ESPN Senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the deal is not yet completed as the Suns and Wizards look for a third team in order to move Chris Paul to a contender.
This would force the deal to be on hold as the Wizards look for extra assets in return for Paul. Ultimately, that’s smart business for Washington as their return for Beal, overall, is limited. And given that the Beal trade starts a teardown of the roster, it’s good to get as many assets as possible.
NBA Rumors: Which teams could take Chris Paul in Bradley Beal trade?
Of course, one team that will immediately come to mind for Paul is the Los Angeles Lakers. LA could swing Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba and a pick for the veteran guard, which would immediately fix the Lakers’ biggest problem without a playoff-caliber point guard on the roster after D’Angelo Russell left them wanting this past postseason.
Meanwhile, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Clippers are trying to move for Chris Paul as the third team in this deal. The Clippers have an easy way to get a trade done due to the huge expiring contracts of Eric Gordon and Robert Covington.
In any case, the Beal trade is not complete just yet. And as the Wizards and Suns search for another dance partner who could be interested in Paul as a veteran floor general, there are sure to be plenty of options, in Los Angeles and otherwise.