Los Angeles Clippers wing Bradley Beal recently tied the knot. Those who were on hand for he and his wife Kamiah's star-studded wedding included Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Isaiah Thomas, and John Wall.
No one on that list of attendees comes as a surprise, especially not Tatum. Beal mentored the Boston Celtics star and fellow St. Louis native. The latter played for Beal's AAU team in high school before taking his talents to Duke.
In a congratulatory Instagram post, Tatum wrote: "Was a honor to be a part of my big brotha @bradbeal3 special day, meant the world being there with you. @kamiahadams sis, couldn't be happier for you, love y'all both 🤞🏽❤️!"
Could Tatum and Beal team together down the road?
After getting bought out by the Phoenix Suns this offseason, Beal signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Perhaps the 32-year-old will find a long-term home there.
However, he is scheduled to reach free agency in a year. By then, Tatum will be back in the fold in Boston. There were rumors about the two teaming in Beal's final years with the Washington Wizards. Perhaps next summer is when that finally gets put into motion.
If Tatum's healthy, something the medical community is optimistic about, the Celtics are in an excellent position to return to championship contention.
Any team could use a scoring boost on the bench on a team-friendly contract. Beal could outplay that description this season, setting himself up for another lucrative payday. However, it stands to reason to project that he's someone who could help Boston or another franchise bolster its bench at a reasonable price.
The Celtics are determined to gain flexibility. It would come as a shock if they're over the second apron at the end of this league year. However, that doesn't mean they'll break the bank for a free agent next summer. The exception could be re-signing Anfernee Simons if he's still in Boston.
Even if the Celtics are willing to do so, under this punitive collective bargaining agreement, teams must move cautiously. If Beal delivers a bounce-back campaign, he will become an attractive option for teams around the Association.
Boston could decide that with Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and this year's first-round draft pick, Hugo Gonzalez, on board, they're all set. But if Beal and Tatum are going to team together at some point during their careers, the 2026-27 season seems like it could be a prime opportunity for that to come to fruition.
Of course, if Beal is likely to play on short-term contracts between now and when he hangs up his jersey. That means the window to suit up alongside Tatum figures to remain open even if the former is still with the Clippers or signs with someone other than the Celtics next summer.