As Pat Riley hunts for playmaking depth, the Miami Heat reignites a longtime rivalry with Boston to secure Bradley Beal while the league waits for LeBron James’ next move.
MIAMI, Fla. – Just like everyone in the NBA, the Miami Heat await LeBron James’ big decision. There is currently no timetable, but a reunion in South Florida remains a possibility. In the meantime, the Heat should look to address other roster voids.
Following last Thursday’s introductory press conferences of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr., President Pat Riley alluded to searching for a playmaker and big man. There are still some prolific options available, but the biggest standout free agent (other than James) is arguably Bradley Beal.
The 33-year-old guard is coming off a cut-short season with the Los Angeles Clippers – only six games played. He declined a player option worth over $5.6 million. The move came as a surprise, given Beal’s recent circumstances, but it’s clear he’s looking for a new situation.
Interest from the Heat has been reported early in the offseason. However, another suitor has chimed in. According to league insider Jake Fischer, the Heat and Boston Celtics are considered landing destinations for the former All-NBA guard.
The two franchises recently battled for Antetokounmpo – we’ve got round two. This summer, the Heat acquired a superstar; meanwhile, the Celtics traded away one in former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beal is likely to sign a veteran minimum contract with either organization.
The Heat have three standard roster spots available and the Celtics have just one.
Beal is primarily a scorer, but facilitation isn’t unfamiliar territory for him. He’s averaged at least five assists in five seasons – four with the Washington Wizards (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023) and one with the Phoenix Suns (2024).
The Heat are likely to be considered a greater championship-contending scenario than the Celtics.
Beal provides size for any backcourt – listed at 6-4 and 270 pounds. He’s capable of creating shots for himself and others.
Outside shooting has been a hot topic involving the Heat, especially following the Antetokounmpo blockbuster trade. Beal’s shot a career 37.6 percent from behind the arc. He’s averaged at least four attempts a game up until the last six-games-played season.
Given Brown’s departures, the Celtics are relying on Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez to take a big step in production, plus Jayson Tatum’s return to superstardom, coming back from a ruptured Achilles injury.
Beal is likely waiting for James’ decision to figure out the next best step. The Heat have an opportunity to add two more All-Stars – at least one.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
