Bradley Beal heads West – Implications for the Golden State Warriors

Bradley Beal is the latest big name to join the Western Conference with reports the Phoenix Suns have come to terms with the Washington Wizards to acquire the services of the three-time All-Star.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Suns are expected to send Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and multiple second-round picks/pick swaps. There are no first-round picks involved given Phoenix had used those assets in the blockbuster deal to get Kevin Durant mid-season.

The Phoenix Suns have made an audacious move to acquire Bradley Beal – what does it mean for the Golden State Warriors and other championship contenders?

It means no Beal for the Golden State Warriors, despite reports on Saturday that they could join the race for the 29-year-old. It was always going to be an unlikely scenario given his exorbitant contract, and although the final asking price was low thanks to Beal’s no-trade clause, it’s hard to see many Warrior fans or those within the franchise disappointed by the outcome.

Beal does land at a pacific division rival though, only intensifying an arms race that new Suns owner Mat Ishbia seems determined to win. Phoenix are now even more top-heavy than Golden State with Beal, Durant, Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton making over $160 million combined next season. Which teams, including the Warriors, return serve by making their own major deal?

The next question is what happens with veteran point-guard Chris Paul? The 38-year-old was linked to the Warriors last week should he become a free agent. That’s still on the table if the Wizards do decide to waive him, however Wojnarowski has reported that they’re looking for a third team to take on Paul and his $30.8 million contract for next season.

The Los Angeles Clippers could prove to be that third team — Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes is reporting that the franchise is pursuing a reunion with the 12-time All-Star and future hall-of-famer.

Keep an eye on Porzingis

If Golden State want to remain in the market for a big, win-now trade, then Kristaps Porzingis is a name worth monitoring over the coming days before free agency. The Latvian has a $36 million player option for next season, and the presumption was going to be that he’d opt out and re-sign with Washington on a longer-term deal.

However, the departure of Beal is a clear indication that the Wizards are heading into a full-blown rebuild. Contending teams won’t be able to afford Porzingis in free agency, but he could opt in to his deal on the assumption that Washington would look to move him before the start of next season. If that’s the case, the Warriors could get involved with a deal centered around Jordan Poole.

One thing’s for certain — Beal’s move to the Suns is only the beginning of a frantic period where trade speculation will be intertwined with the NBA Draft and free agency. There’s assuredly no easing into the role for new Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr.