Boston Celtics: Is the C’s plan to sign Bradley Beal in 2022?

The Boston Celtics have been busy so far this offseason as they have elevated Brad Stevens to President of Basketball Operations, hired Ime Udoka as head coach, and traded Kemba Walker.

The Cs traded Kemba Walker and a 2025 second-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Al Horford, Moses Brown, and a 2023 second-round pick.

The importance of the deal is that it will allow the Boston Celtics to create a max slot for 2022. As a result, I think the front office plans to pursue Bradley Beal in 2022.

The plan to sign the All-Star started with creating cap flexibility, and Brad Stevens stated:

"It gave us a road ahead with a few more options from a financial flexibility perspective… It was also the best deal, we thought, with returning players."

Stevens seems to be highlighting the C’s hypothetical plan to sign Bradley Beal because he was looking at this deal with the financial side in mind. By trading for Al Horford, Boston could create a projected $34.1 million in the summer of 2022.

Check out the guaranteed money in 2022 here:

If the Boston Celtics opt to play the safe route next offseason, they could still create $23-$25 million in cap room.

According to Keith Smith, with another move or two, they could create enough space to sign a max free agent. Horford’s salary can also help the Celtics as his 2022-23 salary is only partially guaranteed.

The path is clear for the franchise, and Chris Forsberg said:

"Essentially, the path to adding a new third star is a bit easier."

I think the moves made by the Boston Celtics highlight that they plan to sign Bradley Beal to pair him with his childhood friend, Jayson Tatum. This is important because it would keep Tatum happy and committed for the long term.

Beal would also fit the team’s timeline as he will be 29 when he enters free agency in 2022.

This potential plan is smart because by signing Beal, they don’t have to give up any assets to get him.

Why trade for Beal now and give up a player like Jaylen Brown when you can sign him next year?

I love the idea of the Cs having a Big-3 that includes Tatum, Brown, and Beal.

This trio would make the Celtics one of the best teams in the NBA and a true championship contender.

Ultimately, Boston will need to make the right decisions financially over the next year, and they will need Jayson Tatum to continue his recruitment this summer at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.