The Warriors’ star players are pushing management to acquire a top-level talent in pursuit of another championship with Bradley Beal as the top target, Marcus Thompson of The Athletic reports.
The Warriors have the No. 7 and 14 picks in next week’s draft to dangle and would likely have to add more picks along with Andrew Wiggins‘ salary to make the salaries match. Golden State would prefer to keep last year’s No. 2 overall pick, James Wiseman, but it’s speculated that Washington would also want the young center as part of any package.
Of course, Beal has never indicated he wants to be traded and the Wizards have repeatedly said they’re not interested in dealing their high-scoring All-Star. In fact, Washington is hoping to sign Beal to another extension. His current one kicks in next season — a two-year deal worth $71.8MM with a player option in the second year.
Beal and the Wizards would need to have a change of heart quickly with the draft just a week ago.
Golden State’s trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have made it clear to the team’s front office it wants a player who can help the franchise make another serious run at a title.
Beal, who was chosen for Team USA but didn’t travel to Tokyo after entering health and safety protocols, is viewed as the ideal player for Golden State’s offense due to his scoring and playmaking ability. That would ease the load on Curry, who edged Beal for the league scoring title this season.
Damian Lillard could also fit that mold but multiple sources told Thompson it’s unlikely the Trail Blazers’ perennial All-Star would want to join the Warriors. Beal is preferred over Raptors star forward Pascal Siakam, another player rumored to be a potential trade target for the Warriors.
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