Last week, The Athletic’s Shams Charania noted that the New Orleans Pelicans were one of several teams that had interest in Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal. As the Wizards enter a rebuild, Beal could potentially be one of the top players on the trade market this upcoming off-season.
The Pelicans certainly have the pieces to make a trade and can meet potentially any package the Wizards would ask for in a deal. Between draft picks, young players and budding stars, the Pelicans are loaded with assets.
As a result, not only can they land Beal, there are multiple ways they can pull off a trade. Here’s a look at three different types of trades the Pelicans could piece together that would bring Beal to New Orleans.
The Future Money Saver
Pelicans receive: Bradley Beal
Wizards receive: Lonzo Ball, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 2023 Lakers first round pick
While reports from Charania last week also indicated the Pelicans would likely hold extension talks with Lonzo Ball this summer, the first time he’ll be extension-eligible in his career. But with a max deal potentially coming for Brandon Ingram this summer as well, this iteration of the Pelicans could get expensive fast.
Instead of spending the money on Ball, the Pelicans could decide to spend a bit more and bring in Beal, who could potentially be a better fit. A core of Jrue Holiday, Beal, Ingram and Williamson is a playoff contender at the least and could put the Pelicans into the discussion as one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
The Right Now Money Saver
Pelicans receive: Bradley Beal
Wizards receive: Brandon Ingram, 2023 Lakers first round pick
After a breakout season that saw him earn his first All-Star appearance, Ingram will almost certainly command a maximum contract this summer. If the Pelicans are hesitant to offer that deal, which could come in north of Beal’s own deal depending on where the salary cap lands next season, they may instead opt to use Ingram as a sign-and-trade piece.
Given Ingram’s youth and talent, it likely wouldn’t cost much more than Ingram himself in a deal for Beal. With him in the fold next to Ball, the Pelicans may save a bit of money while maintaining a high level and complementing Zion Williamson magnificently.
The All-In Trade
Pelicans receive: Bradley Beal
Wizards receive: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaxson Hayes, 2021 first round pick, 2023 first round pick
There remains a realistic option where the Pelicans hold on to both Ball and Ingram and can still acquire Beal. It would, however, come at a hefty price and empty out a large chunk of the Pelicans’ chest of assets.
At a minimum, the Pelicans would have to part ways with multiple pieces of their youngest prospects and multiple first-round draft picks. But if they can make a deal for Beal while keeping their core of Holiday, Ball, Ingram and Williamson intact, it’d give the Pelicans one of the best cores in the league.
It may be a bit of a clunky fit with three guards and a small ball front court but it would most certainly be one of the most talented lineups in the league.
