3 popular trade targets the Boston Celtics must avoid this summer

Boston Celtics trade target No. 3) Bradley Beal

The ultimate offseason target for many fans, Bradley Beal‘s name has been linked to the Boston Celtics for the better part of the past millennium it seems, and, come the summer, we expect these rumblings to kick back up once again.

From Washington’s underwhelming turnouts these past few years to worries about his willingness to commit to the franchise on a long-term basis, it is the belief of many that, come the offseason, talks about a Beal blockbuster will be all the rage and, to many, the C’s are viewed as one of his preferred destinations if dealt.

Obviously, the team’s desire to acquire a third star has been well documented all season which, already, could have one under the impression that the two-guard could be a target for the team this summer, but considering his close personal relationship with Jayson Tatum, it makes this hypothetical all the more plausible.

And while we at the Houdini have stated on numerous occasions that, should the opportunity to trade for him arise, the Celtics must look to pursue, we always find ourselves stating that they mustn’t give up too much in such a situation.

Sadly, too much is almost exactly what’s going to be given up should Boston and Washington enter negotiations.

It has been repeatedly reported that General Manager Tommy Sheppard wants to keep the All-Star baller in tow for the long-term, and the moves made at this year’s deadline prove that he’s looking to better construct the team around him what with the semi-underrated acquisition of former All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis, who, during his stint with the franchise, posted an impressive 22.1 points, 8.8 boards, 2.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks on 37 percent shooting from deep.

Now, this summer Beal finds himself in possession of a player option for the 2022-23 campaign which, in theory, means that, should he wish to jump ship, he could either turn it down and enter unrestricted free agency, turn it down and partake in a sign-and-trade, or opt-in and then request a trade (the least likely route).

If he were to go down these latter two roads, due both to his salary situation and Washington’s unwillingness to lose him for nothing, an arm and a leg (promising young players and assets) is what it will almost certainly cost to pique the front office’s interest and, unfortunately, unless they’re willing to include Jaylen Brown into the conversation (“No God please no!” – Michael Scott) the Boston Celtics simply do not have the pieces to really put them ahead of any other interested franchises.

Unless something changes, and it is believed that Bradley Beal could be acquired for something less than a king’s ransom, Stevens should try to stay away from this trade scenario.