Hardwood Houdini has zero issues with the Boston Celtics acquiring Bradley Beal in the fashion described in NBA Analysis Network’s latest pair of mock trades.
Wiz of Awes would probably have a very different reaction, however.
Typically, when discussing a Beal trade to the Cs, talks start with Jaylen Brown. For most Celtics fans, those talks end right there. Counteroffers are thought to at least include the likes of Marcus Smart, Derrick White, and Robert Williams, at minimum.
N.A.N.’s multiple mock trades all failed to even include Smart at all, though:
"Trade 1:Boston Celtics Receive: F/C Robert Williams III, G Derrick White, G Aaron Nesmith, 2024 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2026 First–Round Pick (BOS)Washington Wizards Receive: G Bradley BealTrade 2:Washington Wizards Receive: F/C Al Horford, F Grant Williams, 2023 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2025 First-Round Pick (BOS), 2027 FIrst-Round Pick (BOS)Boston Celtics Receive: G Bradley Beal"
The Boston Celtics aren’t the leading landing spot for Bradley Beal
When it comes to Bradley Beal destinations this coming offseason, it appears as though the Eastern Conference No. 1 seed in the postseason is the preferred landing spot for the former Florida Gator.
That’d be the Miami Heat, who have been called a ‘legitimate suitor’ to land Beal this summer if he were to force his way onto the trade block.
The Washington Wizards made a splashy move–swapping Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans for Kristaps Porzingis–at the trade deadline, but it’s hard to tell if it was to pair a second star with Beal or to make a shift towards rebuilding.
What scope Beal views that through could help him decide whether or not it’s find a new home for the Washington Wizards lifer.
Either way, don’t expect either of these trade packages to get it done, Boston Celtics fans. Only in a perfect world could such a swap exist.