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Connections matter in the NBA. It's become commonplace for former teammates and friends to join forces in the Association (just look at the reigning champion New York Knicks). These bonds don't always lead to an NBA reunion, but they have to at least be considered during the offseason, especially in the case of the Boston Celtics and 3-time All-Star Bradley Beal.
On Tuesday, Bleacher Report insider Jake Fischer discussed how Beal's next landing spot could be tied to his friendship with Celtics star Jayson Tatum. Beal, who's about 5 years older than Tatum, was a mentor for the eventual 2024 NBA champion and the two grew up in St. Louis and both attended the same high school, Chaminade. That relationship that began in Missouri continued in the NBA and beyond, as Tatum even attended Beal's wedding last summer.
"Bradley Beal has got several options,” Fischer reported. “I do think there is some Miami (Heat) interest...I wouldn’t rule out Boston for Beal because of the connection with Jayson Tatum. I even asked about that today and I was told not to rule out Boston.”
Beal played in just 6 games for the Los Angeles Clippers last season before opting out of his player option. A season-ending hip injury prevented the 33-year-old from seeing the court much with L.A. and he hasn't played in more than 60 games in a single season since the 2018-19 campaign.
These injury concerns and the Celtics' current financial situation — the front office could only offer Beal a veteran’s minimum contract or the bi-annual exception — make a St. Louis get-together less likely.
However, Beal has never had a true taste of playoff success in his lengthy professional career. Perhaps he views signing with the Celtics as a path to contention in the twilight of his NBA journey.
"Beal is definitely going to be signed by a team with playoff aspirations," Fischer said. "That is my understanding there.”
Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Report: Don't rule out Boston Celtics as Bradley Beal landing spot
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On Tuesday, Bleacher Report insider Jake Fischer discussed how Beal's next landing spot could be tied to his friendship with Celtics star Jayson Tatum. Beal, who's about 5 years older than Tatum, was a mentor for the eventual 2024 NBA champion and the two grew up in St. Louis and both attended the same high school, Chaminade. That relationship that began in Missouri continued in the NBA and beyond, as Tatum even attended Beal's wedding last summer.
As always, Jayson Tatum was posted up with longtime friend Bradley Beal during Celtics-Suns
(Via @jaytatum0 and @bredhampton on IG) pic.twitter.com/LA9bDHiiTa
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) April 2, 2025
"Bradley Beal has got several options,” Fischer reported. “I do think there is some Miami (Heat) interest...I wouldn’t rule out Boston for Beal because of the connection with Jayson Tatum. I even asked about that today and I was told not to rule out Boston.”
Beal played in just 6 games for the Los Angeles Clippers last season before opting out of his player option. A season-ending hip injury prevented the 33-year-old from seeing the court much with L.A. and he hasn't played in more than 60 games in a single season since the 2018-19 campaign.
These injury concerns and the Celtics' current financial situation — the front office could only offer Beal a veteran’s minimum contract or the bi-annual exception — make a St. Louis get-together less likely.
However, Beal has never had a true taste of playoff success in his lengthy professional career. Perhaps he views signing with the Celtics as a path to contention in the twilight of his NBA journey.
"Beal is definitely going to be signed by a team with playoff aspirations," Fischer said. "That is my understanding there.”
Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:
Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47
YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Report: Don't rule out Boston Celtics as Bradley Beal landing spot
Continue reading...
