As currently constructed, the Boston Celtics are a shell of their former championship selves.
Jayson Tatum will likely miss most, if not all of next season, Jrue Holiday is gone, as is Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet, and Al Horford is already on his way out the door as well.
In desperate need of offensive production, an All-Star level scorer has been linked to the Celtics recently, coming in the form of Bradley Beal.
Beal is currently under contract with the Phoenix Suns on a five-year, $251 million deal that was originally given by the Washington Wizards. However, recent reports have suggested that Beal could be bought out by the Suns sooner rather than later, which would make him an unrestricted free agent.
NBA Insider Marc Stein says that Beal has already been exploring his options around the league in anticipation of the buyout.
“There will be considerable interest in Beal once he becomes an unrestricted free agent,” Stein said.
Should he be bought out, Beal could sign with any other team at a much cheaper cost than his current price tag, which is where the Celtics could swoop in and snag the former All-Star.
The 32-year-old has spent two seasons with the Suns after spending the first 11 seasons of his career with the Wizards. He has averaged 17.6 points per game in his time with the Suns, and was demoted to the bench during this past season.
Despite his recent struggles, Beal could still provide the Celtics with a major scoring punch should they acquire him. As recently as 2021, Beal was named an All-Star and averaged 31.3 points per game, perhaps a change of scenery could be all he needs to get back on track.
