3 dream trade candidates the Lakers probably can’t afford

Bradley Beal

Wednesday saw all NBA fans freak out over the countless and seemingly endless news cycle. The Washington Wizards were part of it, as the team and head coach Scott Brooks parted ways after both parties could not reach an agreement on a new contract. There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the future of the franchise, with star Bradley Beal being front and center.

Beal shined this past season, as he averaged a career-high 31.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 48.5 percent from the field — another career-best. His play, paired with Russell Westbrook’s performance, helped the Wizards clinch a spot in the NBA Playoffs, where they ultimately lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round.

The star guard’s two-year, $71.8 million contract extension officially kicks in this summer, where he will make $34.5 million next season. The thing is, the contract is technically a one-year deal, as he has a player option for the 2022-23 campaign. Beal is eligible for a new contract extension beginning this offseason but can earn even more if he waits until after the conclusion of next season.

Either way, the Lakers’ chances of landing Beal prior to next campaign seem very low, taking money and other, superior trade offers into consideration.