Why This Trade Would Benefit The Washington Wizards
Trading Bradley Beal would not be hard to justify for the Washington Wizards. He was disgruntled during the offseason with the current situation surrounding the franchise. Sending away an unhappy player benefits the team right away, especially during the rebuilding years.
In this case, the Wizards would be sending away an elite player which would land them a huge return. This would allow the team to build around Russell Westbrook moving forward and potentially get him some help on the perimeter. Washington would land three guards from the Knicks who could use a change of scenery.
Knox and Ntilikina have been busts in New York but could thrive in a place where there is less pressure. Smith Jr. was brought over in a trade and has not been comfortable in New York ever since.
The first-round NBA Draft capital is what should persuade the Wizards into making this deal. If so, it would benefit them greatly. They might opt to ask for more draft capital as opposed to players and that is their prerogative. If this is the case, the Knicks have plenty more to send over.