If the New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards play tonight, it could be a showcase for a blockbuster trade involving Bradley Beal.
The Pelicans have been named as one of the teams most likely to land Beal in a trade, though there has been no indication that discussions are happening.
The Pels have shown interest in Beal in the past and reportedly tried to make a move for him at the deadline last season, though talks never got serious.
They could this season, as the Pelicans have started poorly and would love to add a third star along with Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.
Tonight’s game is an opportunity for both teams to check out what the other has to offer and see if there is a fit.
New Orleans Pelicans: What would the Wizards want in a trade for Bradley Beal?
Any trade for Bradley Beal is undoubtedly going to involve one of the Pels’ young players and a whole lot of draft picks.
I’m sure the Wizards would inquire about Brandon Ingram but that is not happening. Some combination of Lonzo Ball, JJ Redick and five draft picks would probably do it, though the Wizards may have more interest in Nickeil Alexander-Walker or even Kira Lewis Jr. at this point.
Any of those players should be made available in a Beal trade, as the Pels have enough draft picks to blow any other team’s offer out of the water unless it includes an All-Star talent.
What are the New Orleans Pelicans’ lottery odds?
The Pels have the 4th-worst record in the NBA, with a 12.5 percent chance at the number one pick, so right now that 2021 pick is looking pretty valuable.
The Wizards will probably be trying to gauge whether the Pels can and will turn it around this season so that they know the potential value of that pick.
If the Pels were willing to make their own 2021 pick available in a trade, then the Wizards might roll the dice in a draft that features a potential superstar in Cade Cunningham.
This game will not only be a chance for Beal, Lonzo, Lewis Jr. and others to make an impression but for the Wizards to get an idea of where the Pelicans are as a team.
If the Pelicans continue to lose, then that pick might start looking a whole lot more valuable to them as well as other teams, so this next stretch will be important.
If the Pelicans can get Bradley Beal in a trade, they should definitely consider it, though the value of their assets is changing daily.