The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers won’t pursue Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
The Celtics are going to keep star forwards Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum together, while the Sixers are focused on re-signing 10-time All-Star James Harden.
“Don’t count on Boston entering the Beal trade conversation,” Fischer wrote. “The Celtics intend to move forward with their All-NBA tandem of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, sources said, despite Beal’s immense talent and close relationship with Tatum, a friendship that dates back to childhood roots in St. Louis. The Philadelphia 76ers, often floated right behind Boston as a potential Beal suitor, are also not expected to target Beal, league sources told Yahoo Sports, regardless of whether Harden decides to remain with the franchise.”
Beal could be traded this offseason if the Wizards rebuild. Washington’s new front-office leaders and Beal have a mutual understanding that they intend to work together to find a trade that would send the three-time All-Star to a contender if the team elects to reset the organization under new president Michael Winger.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Beal has a no-trade clause as part of the five-year, $251 million contract he signed with the Wizards last offseason, so he gets to choose the next team he plays for. The Florida product averaged 23.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 2022-23 while shooting 50.6% from the field, 36.5% from beyond the arc and 84.2% from the free-throw line.
The Celtics beat the Sixers in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in seven games. Brown is eligible to sign a designated veteran extension with Boston this offseason, while Harden is expected to decline his 2023-24 player option with Philadelphia to become an unrestricted free agent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
If Beal gets traded, he’s expected to be moved before the 2023 NBA Draft, which is on June 22.
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