NBA Rumors: Celtics Pursuing Bradley Beal, 'Solid Front-Court' All-Star

KEY POINTS

The Celtics are linked to Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal
Beal might make a decision after the pandemic
The C's are also likely to consider signing DeMarcus Cousins

The Boston Celtics could be up for something big once again.

Big deals have been closed over the weekend with NBA All-Stars LaMarcus Aldridge and Andre Drummond completing their move to their new teams.

The Celtics, meanwhile, could be next in line as new reports state that the team is lining up a move for a pair of All-Stars as well.

Apparently, Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal is now on the Celtics’ radar, according to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor.

Apart from Boston, the Miami Heat, New York Knicks and the New Orleans Pelicans are also among the teams interested in the three-time All-Star.

However, the renowned NBA insider added that signing Beal may not happen soon as the player might make a “decision” after the pandemic.

“League sources say [Beal’s] decision to play through this season without making a trade request is as much a commitment to see things through this season with Russell Westbrook as it is about waiting until the worst of the coronavirus pandemic passes in the United States before making a life-altering decision,” O’Connor reported.

Beal’s current deal with the Wizards includes a player option for the 2022-23 season. In simpler terms, it's highly likely that the Wizards will explore a trade deal should the All-Star guard does not show signs of a long-term commitment to the franchise, Bleacher Report noted.

Earlier this year, Wizards head coach Scott Brooks had already addressed Beal’s situation amid rumors linking one of his marksmen to a departure.

According to Brooks, nothing was being discussed between him and Beal about a certain trade. Moreso, the coach insisted that the Wizards “love” having Beal on the team.

"Brad [Beal] and I have never talked about it,” Brooks told NBC Sports. “We know that’s part of it. We haven’t won and when you don’t win, teams think that you’re just gonna throw the towel in and give up, that you’re just gonna want to get rid of your good players. So, that’s all part of the business. ”

"Brad is no different,” he added. “He’s one of the best players in the league, of course, every team would want him. But the good part about it is the team he’s on loves him the most. I love coaching him. He wants to be here, he signed an extension. He didn’t have to."

Bradley Beal admits being flattered about interest on him but is thankful he remains a Washington Wizard. Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball in front of Bojan Bogdanovic #44 of the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2019 in Washington, DC. Getty Images/Patrick Smith

Aside from Beal, the Celtics have also emerged as favorites to land Cousins after the team missed out on Drummond, who had just joined the Los Angeles Lakers, Hoops Analysis Net CEO Evan Massey reported, citing unnamed sources.

“Celtics [are] expected to consider signing DeMarcus Cousins after missing out on Andre Drummond. [Cousins] would be solid front-court depth behind Robert Williams,” Massey Tweeted.