The New York Knicks are interested in trading for Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal, according to NBA insider Fred Katz of The Athletic.
Beal has told people close to him he loves playing at Madison Square Garden.
“The Knicks have thought about Beal for longer than just this week,” Katz wrote. “According to a league source close to the situation, New York’s front office has already let necessary people know the team would be interested in the former All-NBA guard if he were to become available. Of course, Beal becoming available is more complicated than it would be with any other player.”
The Wizards’ new front-office leaders and Beal have a mutual understanding that they intend to work together to find a trade that would send the three-time All-Star guard to a contender if the team elects to reset the organization this offseason. Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he would get to pick his next team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards & New York Knicks Updates
The 29-year-old Beal averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists for the Wizards this past season while shooting 50.6% from the field, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line. Katz, who covers the Knicks, doesn’t think New York would have to give up a lot to acquire Beal.
“If the Knicks end up high on Beal’s list (and we are many ifs into the future right now; this paragraph is conjecture, not reporting), then it may not take New York’s trove of picks and up-and-comers to swing a deal,” Katz wrote. “The Knicks have a large expiring contract in Evan Fournier’s $18.9 million salary. They could pick up Derrick Rose’s team option, worth a hair more than $16 million. They could throw in one of the young guys. And the finances would work.
“New York has another advantage, too: It owns the Wizards’ 2024 first-round pick, protected through 2026. Washington would probably prefer its future back. Previous leadership — under team president Tommy Sheppard, who got let go earlier this spring — made plays to trade bring that draft pick back to D.C., according to league sources, but never got close to pulling off a deal. It’s an enticing piece, specifically for the Wizards — more so than the other three protected first-rounders the Knicks own from other teams. They also have all of their first-round picks beyond 2023.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards & New York Knicks Updates
The Knicks lost to the Miami Heat in the second round of the 2023 playoffs. Many people around the NBA believe they are one piece away from being a title contender.
Maybe Beal is that player for them.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
