According to some NBA executives, the New Orleans Pelicans are the frontrunners to land Bradley Beal.
The New Orleans Pelicans could be the team to make a trade for Bradley Beal if and when the Wizards’ superstar guard becomes available.
This was first reported in the Ringer, who asked NBA executives about Bradley Beal:
"“This weekend, I asked 14 front office executives which teams come to mind as a sleeper for a blockbuster deal. Six of the executives responded with the Pelicans; three said the Heat; two said the Knicks; and the Mavericks, Nuggets, and Spurs each got one vote.”"
The New Orleans Pelicans have started the season 4-5, despite very strong play from Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Steven Adams.
The defense has been improved but the offense has been terrible, largely due to cold shooting from the bench and Lonzo Ball.
The Pelicans are ready to win now and have the assets to go after Beal, so what would a trade look like?
The Pelicans will obviously have to dig deep into their hoard of draft picks but who cares? They would still have picks in all of those years and they can only use so many rookies.
The question is not about draft picks, its about what combination of players the Wizards would want in return.
Do they want young prospects? Expiring contracts? As long as Zion or Ingram aren’t involved, the Pels should be willing to entertain any other combination of players.
Who would say no?