Knicks must target this three-time All-Star guard in free agency
By James Nolan
The New York Knicks front office has a chance to bring in a legitimate superstar, as three-time All-Star Bradley Beal is likely to decline his player option with the Washington Wizards and hit the open market this summer. New York should most certainly give Beal’s agent a call if this happens.
The Knicks already have a rising star on their hands in RJ Barrett, but as great as he is, Barrett isn’t enough to carry this roster to the promise land. Adding the All-NBA guard to go along with the 21-year-old would instantly make the Knicks championship contenders.
The New York Knicks should do everything they can to sign Bradley Beal
Madison Square Garden is the “Mecca of Basketball” because it’s in the greatest sports city in the world and New York’s also home to the best fans.
Why shouldn’t the Knicks sign Beal? If he’s the best available player in free agency, then the front office has no excuse to not inquire about him.
If this means moving big contracts such as Julius Randle’s, Evan Fournier’s, Nerlens Noel’s, or others, then the front office should do that. New York fans would much rather see those three players leave so that there’d be space for Beal.
The 28-year-old guard is in the prime years of his career. He recently averaged over 30 points per game in back-to-back seasons in 2020 (30.5) and 2021 (31.3).
The Knicks wouldn’t have to worry about adding a top-level point guard either if they added Beal, as he’s also a skilled passer.
Before undergoing season-ending wrist surgery, the former Florida Gator was on fire over his last 20 games, as he averaged:
- 7.4 assists per game
- 24.1 points per game
- 35% 3-point percentage
Leon Rose can easily make New York relevant again by adding Beal. The elite guard is capable of putting up big numbers on any given night.
Last season, he scored 50 points on two occasions, joining Jayson Tatum and Steph Curry as the only other players to do so.
50 PTS for Bradley Beal in the @WashWizards OT W vs. IND! pic.twitter.com/0TIWh4q1tz
— NBA (@NBA) May 9, 2021
New York City and its fans deserve to see more. If the front office can figure out a way to add Beal this summer, then the Knicks would instantly become legitimate contenders for the first time in a long time.
