Bradley Beal was in attendance at TD Garden for Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Apparently, that experience is causing the three-time All-Star to rethink his future.
Should the Celtics trade Bradley Beal?
Beal is “truly undecided” about his next move, according to Audacy NBA Insider Quinton Mayo. Beal is expected to decline his $36.4 million player option June 30 and reach unrestricted free agency.
From a financial standpoint, it makes the most sense for Beal to re-sign with the Wizards. He would make $64 million more if he opts out of his contract and stays in Washington.
Since the Celtics lack the cap space to sign Beal straight up, any move would have to be a sign-and-trade.
Beal’s future with the Wizards has long been the subject of speculation, with the Celtics continually being mentioned as a possible suitor. Jayson Tatum grew up with Beal in the St. Louis area and views him as a mentor.
Mayo says Tatum’s success could influence how Beal approaches free agency.
“I think watching Boston get to the NBA Finals and then seeing a guy like Jayson Tatum, who is his young bull, play at the highest level -- I think that did something to him," Mayo said.
Mayo added seeing players such as Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II win rings with Golden State may be weighing on Beal’s mind as well.
The Wizards started to build around Beal since he signed a two-year extension in October 2019, but they took a step back this season. After qualifying for the play-in tournament in 2021, they finished 12th in the Eastern Conference last season.
Beal has been through several rebuilding phases in his 10 seasons with the Wizards, including a recent failed partnership with Russell Westbrook. At 28 years old, Beal could want to land with a true contender before he’s past his prime.
He averaged 23.2 points per game last season, his lowest total since 2017-18.
Still, Beal is an elite shooter and potential game-changer on offense. The price to acquire him would be steep, but at least it sounds like he would be interested in coming to Boston.
That’s half the battle.