Heat, Celtics reportedly in bidding war for $342M elite shooter, 3-time All-Star, 14-year veteran

The Miami Heat are looking to round out the rest of their roster this offseason after making a blockbuster trade for former Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now, Miami is focused on finding more shooting to put around its new franchise centerpiece.

The Heat have shown significant interest in four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson, who is currently viewed as their top target to improve the team's perimeter shooting.

“They hope not. The Miami Heat's number one priority right now is to acquire shooting. And they found their No. 1 target for that...Klay Thompson. The problem is Klay Thompson has one year left on his Mavs contract so they're exploring whether they can trade for him, whether this could end up in a buyout, we'll see over the next several weeks," ESPN's Shams Charania said.

Miami has also expressed interest in three-time All-Star Bradley Beal, further highlighting the team's desire to add another elite perimeter scorer.

“The Heat reportedly have interest in Beal, and according to Clutch Points' Brett Siegel, the interest is mutual. Miami missed out on James but still managed to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Now the Heat are looking for some perimeter scoring to bolster the roster,” Bleacher Report’s Andrew Peters wrote.

However, the Heat are not the only team pursuing Beal. The Boston Celtics have also shown interest in the veteran guard. Both Miami and Boston could sign Beal to a veteran minimum contract, making him an attractive low-cost addition.

“The Celtics and Heat expressed recent interest in signing Bradley Beal on a veteran’s minimum deal. Beal, who missed most of last season with a hip fracture, would like to join a title contender in the final few years of his career,” NBA Evan Sidery wrote.

Beal would provide both teams with the shooting and offensive versatility they need to create more space for their superstars. The 14-year veteran is searching for an opportunity to compete for an NBA championship, and both Miami and Boston present realistic championship paths.

Beal has earned $342 million throughout his NBA career. The Celtics are preparing for life after Jaylen Brown, and adding an experienced veteran like Beal could be a potential way to maintain their championship window. Meanwhile, the Heat continue searching for more shooting around Antetokounmpo.

Miami and Boston are now two of the teams to monitor in the pursuit of one of the top remaining free agents.

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