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Report: Westbrook tried convincing Beal to leave Wizards

Will Newton / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Washington Wizards could have lost both members of their starting backcourt this offseason.

Before asking Wizards owner Ted Leonsis for a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook tried convincing Bradley Beal to leave the nation's capital as well, sources told The Athletic's Bill Oram, Shams Charania, and Sam Amick.

Beal opted not to request a trade, but was reportedly supportive of Westbrook's desire to join the Lakers.

Beal can become a free agent this offseason if he declines his $37.3-million player option for 2022-23. The three-time All-Star has spent his entire nine-year career in Washington, averaging 22 points, 4.1 boards, and four assists over 605 appearances.

He registered a career-high 31.3 points per contest last season to finish second in the NBA's scoring race.

Beal is the Wizards' all-time leader in 3-point field goals and trails only Hall of Fame big man Elvin Hayes on the franchise's scoring list.

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