buying a new tablet question re: Verizon

[IcyPeas]

I feel like I missed the day in school where they taught everyone this and now I don't understand.....

Okay, so I have a nice android smartphone and I have Verizon as my carrier.

I am looking at buying a tablet. The one I like is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. The one that Verizon sells is 32 gb. They don't sell the 16 gb model.

So my question is..... can I purchase the 16 gb one elsewhere and still have Verizon activate it and set up my data plan.

I think I have read that you don't need a cell plan with a tablet. I am just a little confused.

Please explain this to me like I am a 5 year old.

Thank you