The NBA trade rumors continue as the restricted free agents are starting to emerge as prime trade prospects.
As the trade deadline approaches, the value of restricted free agents has increased, as analyzed by SB Nation.
They point out factors why this is so. Firstly, the ability of teams to retain the players since they can match any offer sheet. Also, the restricted free agents' salaries are still low, so trading draft picks for them is applicable.
On that note, the article identified Bradley Beal as the top restricted free agent on the market. He has been linked to the Sacramento Kings as part of a possible package to acquire DeMarcus Cousins, and also this trade article about sending him to the New York Knicks
The Washington team site Bullets Forever cited reasons to trade Bradley Beal. For one thing, he has been injured for extended periods and this led to the development of Garrett Temple and also Kelly Oubre taking over at the shooting guard spot.
Beal could be replaced by those two players even though they are not as good as him, but the Wizards could get by with one All-Star guard if they can balance the talent elsewhere.
What would be the best way to utilize Beal in a trade? According to Bullets Forever, it is using him as leverage to acquire a player in his prime.
"It does not make sense to trade Beal for an old All-Star like Carmelo Anthony," BF noted. "But if we can get a player like DeMarcus Cousins or even work out a sign and trade for Serge Ibaka if we land Durant, those guys could provide a championship level impact immediately."
Trading Beal would still be a good idea even if they don't convince Durant to come home.
Their conclusion: "We need to target another player in his prime. Even if we miss out on Durant, we wouldn't lose out on the opportunity to get our second best player. We would have upgraded our second best player."