3 trade packages for Bradley Beal to juice Knicks backcourt

Oct 14, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) controls the ball against New York Knicks guard RJ Barrett (9) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks, RJ Barrett
MIAMI, FL – MAY 08: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

Trade package No. 2: Balanced package for Wizards

Rather than backing up a dump truck of draft picks, the Knicks could instead offer a trade package that’s a bit more balanced. It utilizes their collection of talented young players to form a deal that could start the Wizards out in rebuilding their own young core, with a 2024 first thrown in to get it over the top.

The Wizards haven’t had a quality small forward to develop since they re-signed Otto Porter Jr., and Barrett gives them something to build around. Toppin could explode stepping out of Randle’s shadow, while Hartenstein will have value around the league to flip to another team. The Wizards need to really like Barrett or Toppin here to say yes, but it’s reasonable value and depth if they do.

For the Knicks, they effectively swap out Barrett for Beal in the starting lineup, and still retain Quickley and (most likely) Hart to get the bench started. This deal affords them more financial flexibility moving forward, and they retain most of their draft picks to make another trade down the line.