CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In only his second NBA season, Jayson Tatum understood that this season much like his rookie campaign, would include experiencing new things for the first time … like trade rumors.
To be more specific, trade rumors involving him being included in a package that would net the Boston Celtics Anthony Davis from New Orleans was among the first-time experiences for the 20-year-old Tatum.
Boston can’t officially make its pitch for Tatum until July 1 because of the “Rose Rule” which prevents them from acquiring him at the same time that Kyrie Irving - signed under the “Rose Rule” just like Davis - is under contract as a Celtic.
Davis still has a year left on his contract while Irving becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Tatum says he doesn’t take it personal when he hears his name brought up in trade scenarios.
“I get asked that question a lot,” Tatum says. “And my response is always the same; control what I can control, I don’t take it personal. I understood coming in that it is a business. They have to make the best decision for them, whatever that may be. Especially right now; I can’t control it.”
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Tatum is in the second-year of his four-year rookie contract and is well aware of the Celtics’ interest in Davis and that he may very well have to be part of a trade package in order to get a deal done.
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To Tatum’s credit, he has shown no signs of being the least bit bothered by the rumors involving Davis, doing pretty much the same thing statistically since Davis’ trade demand was made, as he did prior.
And for most young players, going through something like being potential traded is a foreign concept.
Think about it.
Most of the players in the NBA now, at some point where the best players in their area.
When it came to picking an AAU team that was the best fit for them, they decided where they would take their talents.
And when it was time to pick a college, most had several offers to mull over before making their decision on the school they wanted to play for.
But once they are drafted into the NBA, there is an almost instant loss of control over where they play and for whom which is a reality that can be somewhat frustrating if you’re a young player on the trade block whose future with a respective franchise is somewhat up in the air.
“It is different; you don’t get to pick what team drafted you,” said Tatum who quickly added that he’s "super excited" about being a Celtic. “You learn pretty quickly that when you are under contract, you don’t have too much say-so.”
This season, Tatum is averaging 16.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from 3-point range.
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