Jaylen Brown is the most valuable asset whom the Celtics could trade for Bradley Beal. The question is, would it make sense?
On ESPN Sunday, NBA Insider Zach Lowe said he doesn’t think the Celtics would swap Brown for Beal.
“Is Boston going to offer Jaylen Brown? I don’t think so,” he said. “To me, there’s not much point in giving up one star for another, if you’re Boston.”
Notably, Adrian Wojnarowski — one of the most plugged-in NBA reporters out there — shook his head in agreement while Lowe offered his take.
Beal is considering a trade request before the NBA Draft, according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer. The Wizards star has a player option for the 2022-23 season.
There are numerous teams for whom Beal would consider playing, including the Celtics, Fischer reports. Beal enjoys a longstanding friendship with fellow St. Louis native Jayson Tatum.
They were slated to play together for Team USA in Tokyo, but Beal was removed from the team due to Covid-19 protocols.
“Two guys from the same neighborhood, the same high school going to the Olympics from St. Louis, that’s like a dream,” Tatum said about playing with Beal, via NBC Sports. “That is amazing.”
Beal is one of the most prolific scorers in the NBA, averaging 31.5 points per game last season. If he’s available, several teams would likely be vie for his services, which would bring up the cost.
It’s uncertain the Celtics would have enough to land Beal without including Brown, who averaged a 24.7 points and 6.4 rebounds and made his first All-Star team. The rising star is 24 years old, and signed for three more seasons.
But Lowe raises an interesting point: how much of an upgrade is Beal over Brown? Also, is it worth the risk that Beal could bolt after this season?
The Celtics may display interest in numerous stars this summer; however, trading Brown may be a prerequisite for any blockbuster.
Pulling off major deals is always easier said than done.