THURSDAY, 12:57pm: The Thunder likes Bradley Beal, but they're not willing to give up James Harden, tweets Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld. Earlier today we heard from fellow HoopsWorld scribe Steve Kyler who said a significant trade involving the Thunder is very unlikely.
WEDNESDAY, 4:18pm: Charlotte's second overall pick has drawn plenty of trade interest, and while it's possible the Bobcats trade it, it would take a "really enticing" offer for the team to seriously consider it. Most teams talking to the Bobcats about the No. 2 pick are targeting Bradley Beal, and according to Andy Katz of ESPN.com, that list of interested teams includes the Thunder.
The Thunder are a long shot to move all the way up to No. 2 from No. 28, but Beal told ESPN today that when he spoke to Sam Presti in Chicago, the Oklahoma City GM expressed a desire to draft the Florida shooter.
"I've heard it a lot," Beal said of the Thunder scenario. "It's really interesting. I would love to play with Kevin Durant. [Russell] Westbrook, great point guard. Just the whole team. It's young, I would love to play with a young team. They play fast. I'd love to get up and down, shoot the ball. Overall, whatever situation I Iand in I'll be happy."
Presti has long coveted Beal, according to Katz, who hears from sources that the GM spent three days in Gainesville during last year's lockout, watching Beal and the Gators. However, in order to put together a realistic package for the second overall pick, the Thunder would likely have to include James Harden. For Oklahoma City, giving up the Sixth Man of the Year and breaking up a team that made the NBA Finals, would be a steep price to pay. It wouldn't necessarily be a coup for the Bobcats either, since Harden will hit free agency next summer, and would be no guarantee to remain in Charlotte long-term.
According to Katz's report, the Nuggets and Spurs also expressed interest in finding a way to move up to snag Beal. While a team picking in the 20s is unlikely to pull off a blockbuster of that magnitude before tomorrow night (the Spurs indicated that such a move would represent a "parting of the red sea"), there appears to be no shortage of trade possibilities for the Bobcats.
—–
After hardens collapse in the finals and seeing as they have to choose between harden and ibaka. I could easily see them doing this deal. 22 year old 6’11 power forwards who are in the top 5 defensive big
Men and who’s offense is improving every day are harder to find then streaky shooting guards who cannot defend. You never want to see a group like this blown up but it makes sense for the thunder and brings some serious star power to the bobcats.
You want a top 5 pick player and you don’t want to give up anything? Are you retarded?
You say that like Harden is the only player worth anything. Ya might also want to realize that Presti has worked some amazing trades since he took over as GM. Him getting a top 5 pick without giving up any of the big three on the roster would not surprise me in the slightest