One of the biggest stories in the NBA right now is the recent trade between the Celtics and Wizards that saw the Wizards send Bradley Beal and a draft pick (2018, 2nd round) to the Celtics in exchange for Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Smart and a first round pick (2018, 2nd round) in 2018. Beal and Thomas are icons in the NBA, and both are known for their charismatic personalities, so it is no surprise that many are wondering when they will the two friends will be teammates in a Celtics uniform.
Jayson Tatum has become one of the hottest picks in the NBA Draft since the NBA Combine. As of now, he is projected to be drafted somewhere between 5-10 and 6-10. He is projected to go anywhere from the 20s to the late teens. He is projected to go somewhere between the 3rd and 6th pick. Since graduation, Jayson Tatum has been working out with his former Duke teammates, and has been working on a few post moves that he can add to his arsenal. Jayson Tatum has been working with Magic Johnson and Steve Nash to learn how to improve his jumper and improve his post moves. Jayson Tatum is hoping to make an impact on the NBA for years to come. ~~
Jayson Tatum is now a member of the Boston Celtics, and it’s the first time in forever that he has played with any of his high school friends as a member of the NBA. But there is one little wrinkle: he’ll be playing with Bradley Beal, his former high school teammate in the Washington, D.C. area.
Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics was scheduled to play in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with fellow St. Louis native Bradley Beal, but he’d be OK with Beal going to Beantown instead.
The journey to Tokyo has been fraught with difficulties. Beal was one of the team members that agreed to follow health and safety procedures and did not accompany the team to Tokyo. On Sunday, Team USA was defeated by France in their first Olympic match.
Gregg Popovich’s squad still has a long way to go to reclaim its position as a tournament favorite. Tatum will do his best to help right the ship, but he also seems to be gearing up for what might be a huge career move for Beal.
Bradley Beal is contemplating making a trade request.
The news has circulated around NBA front offices that Bradley Beal is considering requesting a trade from the Washington Wizards.
One person familiar with Beal’s thinking stated, “He understands he needs to make a choice before the draft.” @BR NBA: https://t.co/M1vhNx0ZRn More @BR NBA: https://t.co/M1vhNx0ZRn
July 24, 2021 — Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer)
Throughout the previous season, Beal voiced his dissatisfaction with the Wizards’ lack of success on many occasions. He did, however, reaffirm his intention to be in Washington and to win in D.C. on many occasions.
The 28-year-old may be rethinking his position.
Beal is debating whether or not to seek a trade ahead of Thursday’s draft, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, with one source telling Fischer that Beal “knows he needs to make a choice before the draft.”
Beal has developed into one of the greatest NBA combo guards. During the 2020-21 season, he averaged 31.3 points per game and shot 48.5 percent from the field, both career highs. He is one of the most dynamic scorers and playmakers in the game because of his ability to get to his areas and create off the dribble.
If the Wizards made Beal available, he would certainly be one of the most appealing players on the market. He’s just 28 years old and has the potential to be a franchise player for any number of interested parties.
Could the Boston Celtics be one of those interested parties?
Jayson Tatum wants the Celtics to deal for Bradley Beal.
The Celtics are one among the clubs that Beal has shown interest in joining, according to Fischer. Tatum is overjoyed by this.
On an Instagram post about the Golden State Warriors’ rumored interest in Beal, Tatum added a shamrock emoji. If the Wizards put Beal on the market, it’s expected to ignite a bidding war, but Tatum seems to want the C’s to go to any length to get his local buddy to Boston.
The two St. Louis residents have known one other for a long time. They grew up only five minutes apart and have gone on to become NBA superstars despite living just five minutes apart. During Team USA training, Beal expanded about his connection with Tatum.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Jayson since we have a unique connection.”
Bradley Beal says he and boyhood buddy Jayson Tatum are looking forward to playing together as members of Team USA basketball for the first time. pic.twitter.com/9DsLetF6CY
NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) July 7, 2021 — Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics)
In today’s NBA, it’s almost expected for buddies to want to play together.
The Los Angeles Lakers acquired The Brow before of the 2019-20 season due to LeBron James’ friendship with Anthony Davis. The relationship between Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant served as a foundation for both players signing with the Brooklyn Nets in the summer of 2019, and their friendship with James Harden aided in The Beard’s trade to the Nets.
If given the chance, Tatum and Beal may enjoy the opportunity to play alongside one another. Will the Wizards deal Beal, and will the Celtics be able to outbid other teams for him?
What the Celtics may be willing to give up for Beal
Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal have a long history together | Ethan Miller/Getty Images
To get Beal, the Celtics may have to put together a godfather offer.
Should the Warriors pursue Beal, they have a plethora of assets to give. Golden State may assemble a deal that includes the Nos. 7 and 14 selections in the NBA Draft in 2021. The Dubs can also bring in James Wiseman, with Andrew Wiggins thrown in for good measure.
The Celtics don’t have the same draft capital as the Warriors. The Celtics may now send a slew of future draft choices to Washington, but there must be some kind of compensation. They’d have to tempt the Wizards with some players, most certainly.
Marcus Smart would almost certainly be at the top of any package. For budgetary reasons, the Celtics would almost certainly have to add Tristan Thompson, and they may have to round things off with Robert Wiliams and 2020 first-round selection Aaron Nesmith. Would the Wizards be satisfied with such a deal?
If it means moving Jaylen Brown the opposite way, Boston is unlikely to deal for Beal. To attract Washington, they’ll have to think outside the box.
Regardless, Tatum and the Celtics are eager to rebound after a difficult 2020-21 campaign. The Celtics’ great swingman is eager to see Beal in Celtic colors.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
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