The Washington Wizards could have been without either of their superstars from last season had Russell Westbrook convinced Bradley Beal to ask for a trade. The new Lakers point guard reportedly tried to convince his teammate that both of them should ask the team to trade them.
There were reports in summer suggesting that Beal wants to leave Washington and was going to request the team to trade him. In the end the 28-year-old guard decided to remain with the Wizards.
Via Bill Oram, Shams Charania, Sam Amick of The Athletic:
“And before Westbrook resorted to calling Leonsis, he had tried to convince Beal in the weeks leading up to the draft that they should both ask out of Washington, according to sources.”
When the opportunity came for Westbrook to realize his old dream and go to the Lakers, he had the support of Beal which made the trade easier:
“Short of Beal showing a desire to also request a trade, Westbrook was hopeful Beal would at least support his efforts to get to L.A. — which, sources said, Beal did.”
