Daily Knicks
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New York Knicks: Realistic trade targets for star-chasing front office

By Maxwell Ogden

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrates against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards celebrates against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on March 10, 2020 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks
Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards takes a shot as Elfrid Payton #6 and Reggie Bullock #25 of the New York Knicks defend at Madison Square Garden on February 12, 2020 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards are in a position that the New York Knicks are unfortunately familiar with. Washington has a star-caliber scorer in Bradley Beal, but its timeline for a return to prominence doesn’t exactly align with the one that he’s developing along.

A trade for Beal would be tricky on multiple levels, but it stands to reason that he could be acquired if the Knicks were willing to part with valued assets.

Beal is in the midst of a season during which he’s averaged 30.5 points and 6.1 assists on a slash line of .455/.353/.842. He’s a two-time All-Star with staying power on the production front. He’s also an experienced postseason player who has already won three separate series.

If the Knicks were to trade for Beal, the front office would have a soon-to-be 27-year-old to not only build around, but pitch to free agents while operating in a major market.

The key here would be the cost, as the Knicks would likely have to part with RJ Barrett and at least one draft pick. One could make sense of the other assets that would be included, but the question would be simple: Do you believe that Beal is better than Barrett will become if he were to stay in New York?

If the answer to that question is yes, then it would behoove the Knicks to build around the high-low balance created by Beal and rising star Mitchell Robinson.

If the answer is no, then it might not be worth calling at all.