Report: Thunder may be trying to trade up to get Florida guard Bradley Beal

Landing Bradley Beal would be a huge coup for the Western Conference champion Thunder. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Florida guard Bradley Beal had a lot of interesting things to tell ESPN.com's Andy Katz on Wednesday, specifically that Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti had told him during an interview at the pre-draft combine that he was interested in moving up to acquire Beal.

Other tidbits suggest that Presti is not just blowing smoke: Beal confirmed that Presti spent three days in Gainesville, Fla. during the lockout watching the Gators practice; a source told Katz that Florida coach Billy Donovan met with Presti before a playoff game in Dallas; and sources said that Presti and Donovan have had multiple phone conversations about Beal.

Of course, to get into the top five to have even a chance at drafting Beal, the Thunder would probably have to give up Sixth Man Award winner James Harden.