With just four days until the 2021 NBA Draft at Barclays Center and just over one week before the start of free agency, NBA teams are beginning to ramp up conversations internally and externally. Team executives have been diligently preparing for the draft through team analysis, predraft workouts, internal meetings and visits with prospects. At the same time, all 30 general managers have been gauging interest in potential moves and prepare for a week full of scenarios and the looming free-agent period.
Here are two situations to monitor entering draft week:
— The Washington Wizards — fresh off a 17-6 close to the 2020-21 season, playoff berth and the hiring of Denver Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr. as the franchise’s new head coach — have the future of Bradley Beal at the front and center. Every year, speculation around the league rises about Beal and a potential trade demand. Every year, Beal sticks to his allegiance toward the organization and he and GM Tommy Sheppard still remain in partnership together to try to build a winner in D.C.
Still: Beal has been seriously mulling his future in recent weeks, and at times has been very much on the fence about whether or not he wants to remain with the Wizards, sources tell The Athletic. The All-NBA guard is expected to use the weekend to continue giving his career some thought and could arrive at a decision during the upcoming week. For all teams, planning and preparation entering draft week is important.
