The Boston Celtics have reportedly joined the Miami Heat in the race to sign veteran guard Bradley Beal.
According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, both Eastern Conference teams have recently expressed interest in adding Beal on a veteran-minimum contract.
The 33-year-old is reportedly seeking an opportunity with a championship contender as he enters the final stage of his NBA career.
Celtics and Heat interested in Bradley Beal
Beal is available after declining his $5.6 million player option with the Los Angeles Clippers for the 2026-27 season.
A minimum agreement would represent a low-risk move for either Boston or Miami, although Beal's health remains a significant concern after he missed most of last season.
The veteran guard appeared in only six games for the Clippers, averaging 8.2 points, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 rebounds in 20.2 minutes per game. He shot 37.5% from the field and 36.8% from three-point range.
Hip fracture ended Beal's season
Beal was diagnosed with a fracture in his left hip in November and underwent season-ending surgery.
The injury prevented him from establishing a consistent role during his first season with the LA Clippers, whom he joined on a two-year, $11 million deal after completing a contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns.
Injuries have limited Beal throughout the latter stage of his career. Before joining Los Angeles, he played 53 games in each of his two seasons with Phoenix and had not appeared in more than 60 games in a season since 2020-21.
Beal searching for chance to compete for title
Beal has yet to win an NBA championship during his 14-year career.
The Washington Wizards selected him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, and he spent his first 11 seasons with the franchise before being traded to Phoenix in 2023.
The three-time All-Star owns career averages of 21.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds across 807 regular-season games. He earned All-NBA Third Team honors in 2021 after averaging a career-high 31.3 points during the 2020-21 campaign.