The Latest on Celtics' Pursuit of Bradley Beal

It's no secret that Bradley Beal and Jayson Tatum would love to play together at some point in their careers.

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

After 11 years in the nation's capital, Bradley Beal may take his talents elsewhere this summer.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday the Wizards are working closely with the three-time All-Star and his camp regarding a potential trade.

If Washington hits the reset button, it's unlikely that the Celtics have the most enticing offer without including Jaylen Brown.

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Even if the former Florida Gator leveraged his no-trade clause, it's not financially feasible for Boston to form a big three with Brown and St. Louis natives and close friends Beal and Jayson Tatum.

According to Tony Massarotti of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Celtics president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, spoke with the Wizards regarding the former All-NBA selection two years ago when he took over for Danny Ainge.

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However, Beal, who turns 30 later this month, has a lengthy injury history and is one season into a five-year, $251 million contract. Furthermore, his production has slipped in the last two campaigns. Granted, he had mediocre supporting casts flanking him, but he's also never been much of a defender.

Hence, on ESPN's NBA Today, Brian Windhorst conveyed, "My feel from talking to sources is that the Celtics are not necessarily in on this one," adding, "Their intention is to get Jaylen Brown done on a contract extension this year and that even if they got Jaylen Brown done, the idea of bringing in Bradley Beal would be extraordinarily difficult because of the three contracts together. I don't think any conversation that involves trading Jaylen Brown is something the Celtics are super interested in right now."

So, while Beal and Tatum may play together at some point in their careers, like the idea of Brown playing elsewhere, that seems unlikely to happen next season.

Further Reading

Rick Barry Says Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown Suffer From “Westbrook Syndrome”

Rick Barry Discusses Nearly Joining Celtics, Shares His Perspective on Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson

Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Julian Strawther

Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Jordan Walsh

Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Brandin Podziemski

Scouting Report on Prospects Celtics Could Draft with No. 35 Pick: Ben Sheppard

Celtics Add Another One of NBA's Top Assistants, Charles Lee, to Fortified Coaching Staff

The Latest Trade Buzz Surrounding Celtics' Guard Payton Pritchard

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