When it comes to Boston, for Beal, what are the selling points?
Earlier this week, we heard that there's some interest between the Boston Celtics and free agent veteran Bradley Beal.
Beal, a 14-year veteran of the Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers, is available after he opted out of his previous contract with the Clippers.
When it comes to money, the Celtics don't really have a lot to offer someone of Beal's resume, so what exactly are the selling points for them in a possible deal?
Let's a take further look:
The chance to play for a contender
1) Beal has been playing in the NBA for 14 years. He's a multi-time All-Star, he's been an All-Rookie selection and an All-NBA selection. He has accomplished many individual things, but he has played just 49 career playoff games. He's never sniffed an NBA championship.
If that is something that is important to him at the age of 33, the Celtics are a good place to do that. They went 56-26 last season, have a championship-winning head coach, and even without Jaylen Brown, they are expected to be very strong.
2) The Eastern Conference is clearly the weaker of the two conferences. There is no Victor Wembanyama in the East, nor is there a Nikola Jokic, an Anthony Edwards or a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) guards Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second half at Footprint Center. Joe Camporeale-Imagn ImagesYes, the 76ers, Knicks and Raptors figure to be good, but that is an easier gauntlet to run through than the West.
The pressure to always be available isn't there
Health has been an issue for Beal for several years. He hasn't played more than 60 games in a regular season since 2018-19, but the good news is that he won't have to be counted on in Boston.
It would be foolish for the Celtics to rely on a full season's worth of health from Beal, and it would be foolish for them to rely on a full season's worth of health from Paul George, but together? They might get a good duo out of it.
Could Boston get 50 games from both of them in the regular season and then have the pair together in the playoffs? That could be a solid plan that would allow both players to be healthy for the stretch run.
The chance to play with Jayson Tatum
Both from St. Louis, Tatum and Beal are noted friends. They've never played together, and this would represent the chance to do something that both players would clearly enjoy.
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