The Celtics have long been linked to Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal. And within the next week, we may finally find out if the pipe dreams will become reality.
Beal is considering a trade request prior to Thursday’s NBA Draft, according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer. The three-time All-Star has a player option for the 2022-23 season.
"He knows he has to make a decision before the draft,” a source told Bleacher Report.
Though Beal has maintained a desire to stay in Washington, his calculations could be changing as the Wizards fall further behind in the Eastern Conference. If Beal requests a trade, Fischer reports he would only be interested in landing with an established winner.
The Celtics are apparently on the list.
“Beal does not have a proverbial list of preferred destinations, but it was mentioned by multiple sources that he would welcome joining teams such as Boston, Golden State, Miami or Philadelphia,” Fischer writes.
NBA reporter Jason Dumas also names the Celtics as a preferred destination for Beal.
Beal enjoys a longstanding friendship with fellow St. Louis native Jayson Tatum, and there’s been ample speculation over the last year about the two joining forces. They were supposed to play together for the first time with Team USA in Tokyo, but Beal was removed from the team due to Covid-19 protocols.
The competition for Beal’s services would probably be fierce. Fischer surmises the Raptors could offer a package centered around the No. 4 overall pick and forward Pascal Siakam.
With that in mind, the Celtics would probably have to part with Jaylen Brown, along with future draft picks.
Beal, 28, averaged 31.5 points per game last season.