The Wizards are expected to trade their 10th overall pick for a proven point guard.

The Washington Wizards may need backcourt help more than any other club in the NBA. Depending on what happens with Bradley Beal this offseason, that need could grow even more.

Will Beal Sign an Extension?

Many expect Beal to decline his player option for the 2022-23 season. As a result, he would be an unrestricted free agent, allowing him to sign a lucrative, long-term contract. No one knows if Beal will re-sign with the Wizards or look somewhere else at this stage, as winning is his first priority.

He will re-up with them if he believes it can happen in Washington. He’ll seek elsewhere if he doesn’t believe Washington offers him the best chance to win. The Washington Wizards’ first chance to show Beal that they can create a winning team around him will come in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Finding a point guard will be really beneficial. Washington is reportedly making its No. 10 overall choice in the 2022 NBA Draft available in the hopes of landing an established backcourt talent.

No Point Guard

There is currently no point guard on Washington’s roster with a guaranteed deal. For the 2022-23 season, Ish Smith’s contract isn’t entirely guaranteed. Raul Neto and Tomas Satoransky, the other two point guards from last season, are both free agents this summer.

While the team may feel comfortable keeping one or two of them, all three are more suited to serving as backup point guards. In the backcourt, the Wizards should look for a starter-caliber player to pair with Beal.

Malcolm Brogdon, whose two-way play and versatility would complement Beal’s, is one guy who could meet the bill. If the Washington Wizards can persuade the Dallas Mavericks to participate in sign-and-trade talks, Jalen Brunson would be a good match in the backcourt.

Risk Can be Worth the Reward

Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets is someone the Washington Wizards could look at if they want to make a blockbuster and take a huge swing. It’s natural that Brooklyn is hesitant to sign Irving to a long-term contract. Irving and Beal might become the NBA’s most dynamic offensive backcourt if Washington is willing to take the risk.