The Washington Wizards pick up Tyrese Maxey in a three team blockbuster
While at first glance, it seems like an incredibly balanced trade, every team gets an All-Star caliber player, and the fit is seemingly better, this trade probably doesn’t work.
To start off, the Boston Celtics are giving up not only Jaylen Brown, but also Marcus Smart while only receiving Bradley Beal. While this would do wonders for establishing a pecking order in the locker room, the talent deficit is tremendous.
It would be great to see Jayson Tatum and Bradley Beal reunited again, but this doesn’t seem like a deal that the Celtics would take for a player of Brown’s caliber. If they were to receive a handful of picks or a player like Monte Morris on top of Beal, then it becomes interesting. However, money could potentially be an issue in that scenario.
From the Philadelphia 76ers perspective, this could be a great move. They need greater perimeter defense as well as a steadier approach on offense. Brown and Smart are both premier defenders and are more than capable of holding their own weight on offense.
Jaylen Brown is coming off of the best season of his career and his first All-NBA appearance. His presence on the roster could help convince James Harden to stay as he has shown that he can be a star on a championship caliber roster. A big three of Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and James Harden is enough to make any team consider a trade.
For the Washington Wizards, this trade makes too much sense. They pick up a veteran in a salary eating move and also pick up Tyrese Maxey who looks like a future All-Star. They could possibly even flip Harris at the deadline for other young assets or draft picks.
Overall, this trade could happen if the Wizards cough up more. It’s unlikely though.