Why the Boston Celtics do it
Once again, the endgame here is landing Beal (as the article of the title would have suggested), but this time the Cs keep Payton Pritchard and instead send out Kemba Walker. With Beal in tow, the need for Walker’s playmaking is lessened, and his $34 million could be swapped out for Beal’s identical cap figure.
Walker alone isn’t enough to get a deal done, but Marcus Smart and two future picks (along with what the Knicks give up) could do it.
Why the Washington Wizards do it
The Wizards should rebuild, so mining value for both Bradley Beal and Davis Bertans would be wise. Plenty of assets come back in this deal, including four future picks and a former DPOY in Smart. Even Kevin Knox could thrive in a new setting away from New York.
Why the New York Knicks do it
Knicks fans want to win now. It’s been a long enough period of prolonged suffering. Kemba Walker is the perfect point guard to bring this team to the playoffs for the duration of his prime, while Davis Bertans would immediately be the best shooter on the team.