Report: Bradley Beal considering trade request

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The NBA offseason rarely disappoints in terms of excitement and intrigue over player movement, and the rumor mill has been red-hot over the last few weeks.

Superstar players such as Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard and Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons have been involved in trade rumors and speculation, and another All-Star has re-entered the mix.

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal is a name to watch entering next week's 2021 NBA Draft. He is entering the final year of his contract and has the ability to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2022 if he declines his player option.

Bleacher Report insider Jake Fischer reported Saturday that "word has reached front offices around the league that Wizards All-Star guard Bradley Beal is considering requesting a trade prior to Thursday night's event."

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Which teams could be suitors for Beal?

Fischer also reported "Beal does not have a proverbial list of preferred destinations, but it was mentioned by multiple sources that he would welcome joining teams such as Boston, Golden State, Miami or Philadelphia -- although Beal requesting a trade would all but guarantee an expansive bidding war across the league."

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All of these teams make sense as possible landing spots for Beal.

The Miami Heat are typically linked to many star players rumored to be available. Heat exec Pat Riley is not afraid of making bold moves. The 76ers could use a shakeup after a disappointing second-round playoff exit to the Atlanta Hawks. The Warriors have a bunch of quality trade assets to potentially acquire a third star to play next to Steph Curry and Klay Thompson.

The Celtics have been linked to Beal in various rumors over the last year, too. Beal's lifelong friendship with Celtics star Jayson Tatum has been well-documented. They grew up together in the St. Louis area and were excited to play with each other at the Tokyo Olympics before Beal was placed in the health and safety protocols and forced to miss the tournament.

The buildup to the draft is always exciting as rumors and speculation run rampant. Whether anything major actually happens remains to be seen, but Beal's situation is definitely one for fans to monitor next week.

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