New York Knicks: 5 offseason targets to make jump to contender status

Chicago Bulls Zach LaVine (Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports)
Chicago Bulls Zach LaVine (Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports)
4 of 5
Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards Bradley Beal (Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)against the Boston Celtics at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards

Another “what if” heading into the offseason revolves around Bradley Beal. There’s an outside chance that Beal ends up asking for a trade away from the Washington Wizards this offseason. And if that does end up being the case, the New York Knicks will be in a great position to jump at the head of the bidding war. And Beal would be a great fit for what the Knicks need in an attempt to make the jump to contender status in the Eastern Conference.

With the addition of Beal, the Knicks could theoretically throw out a lineup that includes Jalen Brunson, Beal, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson. They would then have the ability to bring Quentin Grimes, Immanuel Quickley, Josh Hart, and Obi Toppin off the bench. That may not be enough to top the Boston Celtics or Milwaukee Bucks on paper, but that would be a team that could compete with them in essence.

Beal would bring another primary scorer to help take some of the offensive pressure off of Julius Randle and Brunson. He would also bring a level of experience that would help this team as they look to make a run at a championship.