WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks to move with the ball as Quentin Grimes #6 of the New York Knicks defends during the first half at Capital One Arena on February 24, 2023 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal trade report opens door for Knicks deal
Here we are only two days after the conclusion of the NBA Finals, and there’s officially a star guard on the trade market that the New York Knicks could pursue.
Bradley Beal has spent his entire 11-year career in D.C. with the Wizards. The 29-year-old signed a five-year, $251 million max contract with Washington last offseason, but could be on the move this summer.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Washington, Beal, and his agent Mark Bartelstein are going through trade offers for the guard together in case the Wizards decide to “reset.” Beal has the luxury of vetoing any deal due to his no-trade clause. He’s the only current player in the league to have a no-trade clause in his contract, so he’ll be the one to have the final say.
This could be the offseason that the Knicks pursue a star player, so as expected, New York has already been tied to Beal. His contract presents a red flag, but according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, fans could see a “bargain star trade” when it comes to Beal. Windhorst added that compared to the price that Timberwolves paid for Rudy Gobert and what the Cavaliers gave up for Donovan Mitchell, Beal could go for less.
Therefore, the idea of a Jalen Brunson-Bradley Beal backcourt has started to pick up steam.
Wizards make New York Knicks trade target Bradley Beal available
Bradley Beal being linked to the Knicks is nothing new, but similar to Damian Lillard, the guard finally leaving the organization that drafted him could happen this offseason.
Beal is coming off a season where he averaged 23.2 points and 5.4 assists in 50 games while shooting 50.6% from the field and 36.5%. He’s dealt with a series of injuries in recent years, which is why the most games that he’s played in the past four seasons is 60.
Considering that according to SNY’s Ian Begley, New York discussed the possibility of a Beal offseason trade during the 2022-23 season, his injury history doesn’t seem to be too much of a concern to the Knicks. His availability to be traded could be enough for New York to proceed with trading for the three-time All-Star.
Per Shams Charania, the Heat are expected to be “significant suitors” for Beal and the Bucks could emerge as suitors themselves. That’s either good or bad news for Knicks fans.
He isn’t the star that New York fans have been holding out hope for, but the team’s interest in him is enough to assume that the Knicks will be in the running for him. Of course, Beal would have to accept the trade himself first, but it’d be hard to imagine him turning down an opportunity to play alongside Jalen Brunson. Then again, Miami’s recent success spearheaded by Jimmy Butler could make the Heat the next team that Beal plays for. Only time will tell.
