The Golden State Warriors have missed out on Bradley Beal in free agency, with the 3x All-Star signing with the L.A. Clippers in an unfortunate albeit expected move on Wednesday.
Beal had emerged as a player of interest for the Warriors over the last week, but his rejection of the franchise does allow the front office to now target a different All-Star guard who remains a free agent.
The Warriors could turn their attention to Damian Lillard in free agency
Before the Beal interest had ramped up in the past week, Golden State had also reportedly checked in on Damian Lillard after the 9x All-Star was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks in a stunning move early in free agency,
Beal was always going to be a preference over Lillard given the uncertainty in the latter's future coming off a torn achilles, but it could prove a blessing in disguise for whoever signs the Oakland native and can prepare him for a return after next year's All-Star break.