The New York Knicks had a great season in 2022-23, making the second round of the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. Signing Jalen Brunson last summer has changed the timeline of the team, as they look primed and ready to make a push for contention.
The Knicks have heaps of assets that they’ve accumulated over the years and trusted Knicks’ insider Ian Begley was told by sources that the Knicks are looking at Bradley Beal as a possible trade option to supercharge their backcourt alongside Brunson.
“Sources tell SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley that Beal was one of the high profile shooting guards the Knicks discussed internally during the season as a trade option this summer.”
Beal averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists last season in a down year, as the Wizards just didn’t look competitive. Playing in a big market like New York may motivate Beal to find the version of himself that was winnings coring titles and help the Knicks take a step toward contention.
What Would The Knicks Give Up?
Even if Beal can be gotten for low value due to him being the one deciding where he goes and the package that the team receives, the Knicks will have to give up something significant. Even if they have Evan Fournier’s $18 million to throw into the deal as salary filler, they will need to make $28 million more to match Beal’s $46.7 million salary for next season.
The Knicks would likely have to accept Derrick Rose’s $15 million team option and add additional salaries like Isaiah Hartenstein’s $8.1 million and possibly Obi Toppin’s $6.3 million. Given the sparse nature of the playing time these players got, the Knicks would likely do this if they can keep control of their draft assets.
Beal in the backcourt with Jalen Brunson could be electric, as Brunson averaged 24.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in the best individual season of his career. With RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson still on the squad, the Knicks would be one of the feared teams in the East next season.
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