During a recent episode of the Club 520 podcast, Jayson Tatum told ex-Celtics teammate Jeff Teague that he almost requested a trade during his rookie season.
Despite being drafted No. 3 overall, Tatum had concerns about playing time.
Boston had signed Gordon Hayward to a 4-year deal worth up to $128 million. Hayward starred for then-coach Brad Stevens at Butler and played small forward, the same position as Tatum.
The Celtics had drafted another wing, Jaylen Brown, with the No. 3 overall pick the year before.
“And then, I get drafted, and Gordon Hayward signed with the Celtics,” Tatum said.