14 June 2023 , 20:58
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The Boston Celtics need to do all they can to put star quality players around their main man Jayson Tatum, and while it may not cost them much to add the one player who he wants the most it's a move that looks unlikely.
On Wednesday afternoon, it was reported by multiple outlets that Washington Wizards superstar is available and on the trade market.
While the Celtics need to be mindful of their salary cap issues, with both Tatum and Jaylen Brown set for huge extensions themselves soon, they could go still go all-in for Beal. And that's certainly something both he and Tatum would like.
Tatum and Beal are close friends, both growing up in St. Louis with the former naming the latter as a 'big brother' to him. Tatum has previously told NBC Sports Boston that he and Beal had talked about teaming up "plenty of times."
The Wizards have made it clear that they will help facilitate a move for Beal, but the player might not garner the attention that he should deserve. That's because Beal signed a huge five-year, $251 million contract just last off-season, being one of the most expensive players in the league.
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But the Celtics making a move for Beal is now heavily unlikely, after ESPN reported that the Celtics will not pursue Beal, instead focusing on resigning Jaylen Brown to a long-term deal.
Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal are close friends and have spoken on teaming up togetherWhoever trades for Beal, must get the greenlight from the player himself, who signed a no-trade clause after penning his deal with the Wizards last summer.
But with Beal looking certain to now leave, the Wizards could look like a very different team next year - along with fellow stars Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis set to become free agents.
Although going into his 12th year next season, Beal is still only 29 years old and showed he's still capable of being the best player on the court on any given night, averaging 23 points and five assists.