Report: Bradley Beal discussed in Rudy Gay trade talks

Bradley Beal in rumors. (Getty Images)

Update 1.14.13 4:22 p.m.: The Washington Post cites multiple sources, including Beal's agent, who deny he's been offered as part of a potential deal. Pretty standard stuff. Even if he was offered, which he may not have been, the Wizards don't want their star rookie thinking he's on the block. All according to plan.

But keep an eye out, because the Wizards are clearly interested in Gay.

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As the Rudy Gay trade talks continue to percolate, the Grizzlies are working to raise his trade value and have made clear they're not just clearing space. A new name has popped up in trade rumors. The Memphis Commercial-Appeal reports that the Wizards brought a prized asset to the table in an attempt to obtain the wingman.

For example, the Griz have entertained the Washington Wizards' offer for Gay. The crux of that exchange would have the Griz receiving rookie shooting guard Bradley Beal in a larger package.

via Memphis Grizzlies management remains mum as trade winds blow » The Commercial Appeal.

When I went over the list of possibilities regarding a potential Wizards-Grizzlies deal this weekend, I specifically said "You can't imagine the Wizards are willing to part with rookie Bradley Beal." And I said that for a reason. In the NBA, you always take the unlikely possibility of a player being better in the future over something you know will be good right now. The odds are not great that Beal will ever be better than Rudy Gay. But you cannot take that risk.

To think that Washington offered the youngster is shocking. But then, this is a Memphis-based report, so you have to think the source is not from the Wizards' side.

So what is this? It's value-raising by Memphis, who is working up from their first reported talks regarding Jared Dudley and now have a bevy of suitors who can actually help them to get better.

The only thing that gives me pause in doubting the deal? Every time I think Washington cannot possibly make this kind of horrible move, they exceed my expectations. So let's keep an eye on it, but expect a hearty rebuttal in the next 24 hours or so.