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The New York Knicks could be in the market for Bradley Beal this summer.
During the 2022-23 season, the Knicks internally discussed the Washington Wizards star as a potential trade option for this summer, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that the Wizards might explore trading Beal this summer, adding that the franchise is “staying in close contact to discuss scenarios.”
Beal has been included in trade rumors over the last several seasons given Washington’s inability to remain competitive and contend for an NBA title. It’s probably time for the Wizards to begin a rebuild.
The 29-year-old signed a five-year, $251 million supermax contract last summer. He could be difficult to move this offseason because his deal contains a no-trade clause, which gives him the ability to control where he plays next.
Beal has spent his entire 11-year career in Washington, and the Wizards have made the postseason only five times, never making it past the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Knicks, meanwhile, need more star power on their roster entering the 2023-24 season after suffering a disappointing loss to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference semifinals this year.
The St. Louis native is still one of the more productive guards in the NBA and would be a welcomed addition in New York alongside Jalen Brunson and R.J. Barrett. In 50 games during the 2022-23 campaign, he averaged 23.2 points, 5.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 50.6 percent from the floor and 36.5 percent from deep.
However, it’s unclear if Beal would approve a trade to the Knicks, who could face some competition for the veteran’s services. The Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks are expected to be “prominent suitors” for Beal, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Josh Robbins.
With the 2023 draft quickly approaching, many eyes will be on Beal and his situation in Washington.
