With the 2020 season officially over, the focus has shifted to the draft, free agency, and the trade market when, this winter, teams from all over the association will look to improve their roster and make a run for the 2021 title.
The Nets and Knicks are rumored to be among the most active franchises in the months to come, with many rumors and whispers suggesting their interest in acquiring multiple players. In one suggested deal, that is picking up a lot of support from the community, the New York teams could acquire some big-name talent in a three-way deal that includes the Wizards.
(via Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Bradley Beal and Taj Gibson
New York Knicks Receive:John Wall, Rodions Kurucs, Washington Wizards’ No. 9 pick in the 2020 draft, Washington Wizards’ top-five-protected 2024 first-round pick
Washington Wizards Receive: Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, Taurean Prince, Kevin Knox II, New York Knicks’ 2020 first-round pick (via Los Angeles Clippers), Brooklyn Nets’ 2020 first-round pick (via Philadelphia 76ers)
In Brooklyn, the acquisition of Bradley Beal would add a third star alongside Kevin Durand and Kyrie Irving. Beal, a career 38% shooter from beyond the arc, is a proven scorer who could thrive in an offense that features an endless ocean of perimeter threats.
For the Knicks, John Wall’s arrival might not be the “big” move fans have been hoping for, but it’s certainly reason enough to be optimistic. The last time Wall was healthy, he was playing at an All-Star level, putting up an average of 19 points, 9.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 42% shooting. They also get several picks in the deal.
Finally, regarding the Wizards, their return in the trade involves several younger players and multiple first-round draft picks. Giving up Beal and Wall would leave the team with no star talent, and essentially at the foothills of a rebuild. Considering the Wizards’ failure to crack the second round of the postseason in recent years, a change from their status quo might be in their best interest.
In the end, all three teams will be looking for opportunities to further their agenda this offseason. And whether it’s through the trade detailed above or through some other move, they will likely be among the many franchises vying to tweak their roster before the start of 2021.
