Trade talk drives the NBA’s online discourse, even when the reality of such a trade ever happening is as likely as “Madame Web” winning the Oscar for Best Picture.

Case in point, the note from Marc Stein over the weekend:

“[The Washington Wizards] gave real consideration to bringing Beal to the nation’s capital. The Wizards, of course, are the team that gave Beal that monster five-year, $251 million contract adorned with a full no-trade clause in the first place. Beal has two seasons left on the deal after this one valued at nearly $111 million.”

Beal’s no-trade clause and the inability to move him ended up being the death of a Jimmy Butler to the Suns trade — does anyone in their right mind think Beal was going to waive his no-trade clause and uproot his family to go to the worst team in the NBA? Even with Beal’s ties to our nation’s capital, there is zero chance that would have happened. Less than zero, in reality. This trade was never going to happen.

This feels like a good time to restate that saying a team discussed something internally is next to meaningless. It is the job of a front office to be prepared for anything, which leads to plenty of wild speculation and thought exercises on things that are never likely to happen. Just in case. In that vein, of course the Wizards discussed bringing back Beal if they could get enough draft picks in the swap to fortify their rebuilding efforts. They should have discussed it.

That is very different from Beal approving it or the entire trade coming together.

Bradley Beal has established himself as one of the NBA’s most dynamic scorers, known for his smooth shooting and ability to create his own shot. As a three-time All-Star, he has consistently averaged over 20 points per game, with his peak seasons seeing him surpass 30 points per contest. Beal excels in mid-range scoring, three-point shooting, and attacking the rim, making him a versatile offensive threat. His ability to score off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations makes him difficult to guard, often drawing double teams from defenses.

Beyond his scoring ability, Beal has also evolved into a well-rounded playmaker. In recent seasons, he has improved his assists per game, showcasing better court vision and facilitating for teammates when defenses collapse on him. While traditionally seen as a pure scorer, his ability to handle the ball and initiate offense has allowed him to take on more responsibilities as a secondary or even primary playmaker. Defensively, he has had ups and downs, but his effort and leadership on both ends of the floor have been crucial for his team.

Despite dealing with injuries and roster changes, Beal remains a highly respected veteran in the league. His ability to deliver clutch performances and carry his team in key moments has solidified his reputation as an elite shooting guard. Now with a fresh start in Phoenix alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, Beal has the opportunity to contribute to a championship-contending team. If he stays healthy and continues to refine his all-around game, he could be a major factor in the Suns’ title aspirations.