NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal Interests 2 Teams
Once one of the main stars of the best basketball league in the world and a prolific scorer, he has a couple of franchises aiming to secure his services
Bradley Beal remains team-less after becoming a free agent, although several potential destinations are beginning to emerge for the three-time All-Star. As reported by Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, both Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have shown interest in acquiring his services.
The journalist also points out that Beal's decision is not directly influenced by LeBron James' decision, although it is being affected by it.
"I was told today that Bradley Beal's decision is not exactly blocked by LeBron, but it is influenced by it. I think there is interest from Miami, and I wouldn't rule out Boston due to the relationship it maintains with Jayson Tatum. As far as I understand, Beal will end up signing with a team aiming for the playoffs," Fischer explained.
Both the Heat and the Celtics fit that profile.
Miami seeks to strengthen its perimeter game
According to Fischer's information, Miami had some form of contact with the player after Beal rejected his option to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Following Tyler Herro's trade in the deal that brought Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat, the franchise needs to bolster the depth of its perimeter.
However, the uncertainty revolves around the shooting guard's physical condition. Last season, he only played six games, and injuries have prevented him from having continuity for much of the last few years.
Friendship with Jayson Tatum brings Boston closer
Boston is also among the options the player is considering.
Fischer points out that Beal has a close friendship with Jayson Tatum since childhood, as they both grew up together in St. Louis.
The Clippers are also not ruled out
Bleacher Report's journalist also left open the possibility of a return to the Los Angeles Clippers.
"I think there's even a possibility of him returning to the Clippers due to the interest that has always existed and because he wanted to stay in Los Angeles in the future," Fischer stated.
A free agent after rejecting his player option
Beal chose to turn down the player option worth $5.6 million he had with the Clippers at the end of last season.
The shooting guard had signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Los Angeles franchise the previous summer, but he only played six games before suffering a left hip fracture that required surgery and ended his season.
Injuries have marked the latter part of his career. In the last seven years, he has only exceeded 53 games played once and has never reached 60 games in that period.
Phoenix will continue to pay him until 2030
Currently 33 years old, Beal entered free agency last summer after reaching a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Suns on the five-year, $251 million contract he had previously signed.
The Arizona franchise agreed to buy out the last two years of the deal, valued at $99 million. Following this understanding between both parties, the Suns will continue to pay Beal around $20 million per season until the year 2030.
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