All-NBA honoree and three-time All-Star reveals he almost moved to OKC Thunder

In a recent podcast appearance, Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal discussed the night he was drafted, detailing a trade that almost sent the former All-NBA honoree to Oklahoma City.

Beal was selected No. 3 by the Washington Wizards in the 2012 NBA Draft, but noted in the interview that he had heard rumors that the Thunder were interested in selecting the Florida product.

Even if Sam Presti and Co. never managed to make the move, Beal would have been an interesting addition to a team that reached the NBA Finals last season.

“That night my agent told me,” Beal said. “He said, 'I'm pretty sure we're going to fly (No.) 3 to Washington.' He said, seven minutes before the draft started, he said, “Brad, get ready, you might be going to OKC.” In my head I'm thinking, “How come I didn't work out for them?”… My agent says, ” Brad, I'm getting these calls, they're telling me you (No.) 2 could go to OKC.” …So the deal should be trade James (Harden) to DC and commit me to OKC. In my head now I'm thinking, “That would have been crazy.” But it doesn't happen.

After being selected by Washington in 2012, Beal earned All-Rookie and All-NBA honors and was a three-time All-Star during his 11 seasons with the Wizards. Beal averaged 22.1 points, 4.3 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game during his stay in the nation's capital.

In 2023, Beal played his first season with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker as a member of the Phoenix Suns. The former Gators standout averaged 18.2 points, five assists, 4.4 rebounds and one steal per game last year while shooting 51.3% from the floor and 43% from 3-point range.

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