Missing easy opportunities when struggling will only make a situation look worse, and Bradley Beal allowed it to happen on Saturday night versus the Phoenix Suns by missing an easy layup to start the game. He made it look as difficult as a half-court heave, which was just one of the many justifications why the LA Clippers' solution should be to dump his contract.
Tyronn Lue is being patient with Beal, even as a starter, but once it runs out, the three-time All-Star will be sent to the bench, and will strictly remain in the second unit until Lawrence Frank takes action behind the scenes.
A trade would be best, but other options to move on from him would also work, as he is the main reason LA is not in championship contention, and that too, while his minutes are still being restricted.
The LA Clippers should begin planning the steps needed to trade Bradley Beal immediately
The sideline staff informs Tyronn Lue that Bradley Beal is creeping up on the 20-minute mark, and a substitute is instantly waiting on a whistle from the officials at the scorer's table. Therefore, with his playing time limited, the negative impact he is leaving should match it, assuming the common logic holds.
However, the problem with Beal is that he is a rare case: even though he is not playing as much as he should, he is still losing the Clippers games on a nightly basis.
Thus, trade-wise, Lawrence Frank will have risk-takers calling his cell. This prediction stems from his two-year, $11 million contract, which could end after this season, as a player option will be at his doorstep this summer.
Moreover, another championship team will believe the offseason words from Lue about his defense, glance at his previous years of offense, and give up an asset that has some value.
For a player who is shooting 37.5% from the field and 36.8% from a distance, the Clippers would love to add another second-round pick into their future, even if it is just one, or an unproven young talent that could make the most of a future opportunity.
Nonetheless, the Clippers want their championship contention status to return. It is not currently in LA, and one way to get it back is to trade Beal with urgency before the deadline. To do that, an important plan should be developed ahead of time.