Bradley Beal revealed that Sam Presti told him in an interview in Chicago that the Thunder were interested in trading up to draft him.

Oklahoma City doesn't have a selection until the No. 28 pick.

"He told me he was going to decide what they're going to do and considered getting up there," Beal said.

Beal said Denver, which picks at No. 20, also made a similar statement.

In order to draft Beal, the Thunder would almost certainly need to trade James Harden. League sources said Oklahoma City would be unable to avoid tax issues if they had Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Harden and Serge Ibaka under lucrative contracts.

Trading for Harden could make sense for a team like the Bobcats, though there is no guarantee he would be willing to sign a long-term extension.

"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 and Billy Donovan have had multiple conversations on the phone about Beal, as well.

A source with direct knowledge of the situation said, "Oklahoma City exhausted every opportunity on campus to find out everything they could find out about Beal. They've done everything they can."

The Spurs have also been interested in moving up to draft Beal.