The Washington Wizards are already a playoff team, and they’re just one piece away from being title contenders. That’s the thinking of at least one team executive, who believes the Wizards could land LeBron James if they can swing a trade with the Boston Celtics for All-Star wing Bradley Beal.
Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal have been inseparable since the latter entered the NBA in 2013. The two have played on the same team since their rookie seasons, and have (literally) grown up together. There is no question that the two players have a strong bond, and it is probably safe to assume that there is some genuine affection between the players as well.
Bradley Beal is 21 years old and an NBA All-Star, yet he remains on the trade block. Beal, who has been averaging 18.0 points per game, has been a long-term member of the Washington Wizards and has a player option for the 2018-19 campaign. This year, he’s averaging career-bests in points (20.0), rebounds (3.7), assists (2.0) and steals (1.2).. Read more about bradley beal trade and let us know what you think.
Getty Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (left) & Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (right).
If you haven’t heard, the Bradley Beal sweepstakes may be coming soon. According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Washington Wizards All-Star guard may seek a trade before the draft on Thursday night. The Boston Celtics are reported to be on his short list of clubs he “would enjoy joining” if he does so.
According to Fischer’s colleague, Jason Dumas, not only would Beal “welcome” a relocation to Beantown, but it could even be at the top of his list of favorite locations.
If Brad Beal decides to pursue a trade, Boston would be the ideal destination for him to play alongside old buddy Jayson Tatum and contend for a title.
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Tatum Reacts to Rumors of a Beal Trade
Of course, the Beal-Tatum connection has been widely chronicled in recent months, with the two openly expressing their desire to play together in an NBA game longer than a 48-minute All-Star exhibition game. They were just denied the chance to compete for gold in the Tokyo Olympics together when Beal underwent COVID procedure, which Tatum admits “upset” him.
That said, before Beal’s Team USA departure, the Celtics star was likely able to wear his recruitment cap a few times. Tatum doesn’t seem to be planning on switching off his hat anytime soon.
Tatum had no qualms about where he’d like Beal to play hoops next season, as caught by Tim Sheils of Banner Town, USA. On an Instagram post about Beal’s possible trade request, the Celtics center responded with a clover emoji. Take a look at this:
Tatum & Beal’s ‘Special Relationship’
Despite growing up only five minutes apart and attending the same high school — Chaminade College Prep in Creve Coeur, MO — the five-year age difference between Beal and Tatum prevented the two from ever playing together. Regardless, the now-28-year-old Beal served as a mentor in Tatum’s life early on, and their connection has since evolved and developed into something the Wizards player would characterize as “special.”
During a Team USA news conference, Beal remarked of playing with Tatum, “Even from growing up, we’ve never been on the same squad, ever; in pick-up, we’ve never been on the same team.” “This is a thrilling opportunity for both of us. I’m ecstatic about his progress and can’t wait to see him, as well as myself and everyone else, on the world stage. We have a fantastic staff, but Jayson and I have a particular bond, and I’m looking forward to it; it’ll be thrilling. Getting the gold is the ultimate goal.”
Not only would Beal joining up with Tatum in Boston be a fantastic narrative, but it would also provide an infusion of skill and scoring ability to a Celtics squad that struggled last season, ending the regular season with a.500 record. Beal has established himself as one of the league’s top scorers, scoring more than 30 points per game in back-to-back seasons and ending as the NBA’s second-leading scorer.
However, if Beal requests a trade out of Washington, the Celtics are not a sure thing to obtain him. On the trade market, such a skill should surely attract a slew of prospective buyers. According to Fischer, the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers are all thought to be in play. If the anticipated timetable of Beal’s possible request holds true, expect that list to grow dramatically in the following days.
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