Report: Warriors making Beal top priority if he becomes available
Acquiring Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal will be the Golden State Warriors' top priority if he becomes available, The Athletic's Marcus Thompson reports.
Golden State's star trio of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green told general manager Bob Myers they want the team to use its upcoming two lottery selections to add a player capable of helping them win a championship, sources told Thompson.
Beal is coming off a tremendous 2020-21 campaign in which he averaged 31.3 points to finish second in the league's scoring race behind Curry (32). The Florida product hasn't expressed an interest in leaving Washington and has stated his desire to remain with the Wizards for the remainder of his career.
Beal, 28, can become an unrestricted free agent following the 2021-22 season if he declines his $37.2-million player option. Any potential deal for Beal made by Golden State would have to involve Andrew Wiggins to match salaries. Wiggins is set to earn $31.5 million next season, then pocket $33.6 million in 2022-23.
The Warriors are also interested in adding superstar Damian Lillard if he eventually asks out of Portland, according to Thompson.