True story of Patrick Beverley refusing to play for defending champion Golden State Warriors
Despite being 34 years old, Patrick Beverley is still a name that receives a lot of attention in the NBA with his fiery and enthusiastic play, especially in defense.
But due to a change in roster, the Los Angeles Lakers said goodbye to "Pat Bev" in the last transfer window. As a free agent, Beverley is said to have turned down the defending champion Golden State Warriors for an underdog, the Chicago Bulls.
This is relatively surprising information for many fans, so what is the truth about this story?
According to ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, Patrick Beverley was traded to the Orlando Magic in an exchange to bring Mo Bamba to the Lakers.
Due to not being part of Magic's long-term development plan, Beverley was released from his contract and became a free agent. From here, this professional defender was approached by two teams, the Chicago Bulls and the Golden State Warriors.
“I had to choose between Golden State and the Bulls. Of course it's great to play for a team with so much talent like Golden State, but there are already too many defenders out there.
So I think I should try with the Chicago Bulls to compete for the Playoffs, it makes me more interested. In addition, the East is also weak. I am very excited about this challenge.
They (Golden State Warriors) really care about me, always respect my every decision. I myself already know the correct answer for me, however I am very grateful for the interest from the Warriors "- said the 34-year-old player.
Although the team that Beverley is about to play for is standing outside the Playoffs group, specifically ranked 11th in the East, this professional defender still has faith that he will join the Chicago Bulls in the postseason.
In addition to the fact that Chicago is the place where he was born and raised, Pat Bev is ready to devote more than 100% of his energy to his hometown team.
“I want to go back to Chicago, where I was born and raised. It's also convenient for my children to go to school and live there," Beverley said.
“Playing for the Chicago Bulls makes me feel so dedicated to my country, that's why I want to come here and play to the best of my ability. Between Warriors and Bulls, I feel Bulls is the most suitable choice."
The day after Patrick Beverley landed, the Chicago Bulls let Lonzo Ball rest for the entire 2022-23 season because of a nagging knee injury.
Beverley is expected to temporarily fill the PG position that the Bulls need, and at the same time bring experience and blood to the army of coach Billy Donovan, who still have spearheads like DeRozan or Zach LaVine.
