Heat predicted to outbid Celtics for $342M elite shooter, three-time All-Star, 14-year veteran

One of the biggest veterans remaining on the free-agent market is Bradley Beal, who is hoping for a healthy season after dealing with injuries over the past few years. Staying healthy has been a major challenge for Beal recently.

Last season, the 14-year veteran played in only six games with the Los Angeles Clippers before suffering a season-ending hip injury. Beal declined his player option a couple of months ago and became an unrestricted free agent.

“LA Clippers guard Bradley Beal has declined his $5.6 million player option for next season and will become an unrestricted free agent. Beal signed with the Clippers last summer but the guard played in only six games after suffering a fracture in his left hip that required season-ending surgery. Beal averaged career lows of 8.2 points and 20.2 minutes per game while shooting 36.8% from 3," ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk wrote.

Several contending teams are looking to add Beal to their roster, with the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics among the teams that have expressed interest.

“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.

Whichever team Beal joins could benefit greatly if he is able to remain healthy. Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale believes the Heat will ultimately sign Beal over the Celtics.

“Failing that, while Beal's on-ball pizzazz may be fading, outside shooting can endure. His past three seasons ranged between forgettable and regrettable, yet he still buried over 40 percent of his triples over that stretch. Convincing him to jack more treys is the challenge. Coming off a serious injury, it's not one that should be taken lightly or treated as a sure thing,” Favale wrote.

This would be a huge addition for Miami, especially because the Heat are in need of another shooter to put alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. A healthy Beal could do wonders for the Heat's offense.

Beal has made $342 million in contracts throughout his career. The Heat are aggressively exploring their options, and Beal is one of the veterans on their radar. Miami is hoping to build a legitimate championship contender capable of making a deep playoff run over the next few years.

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