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Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics may have more trades up his sleeve.
The Boston Celtics are in unfamiliar territory this offseason — juggling major roster changes while Jayson Tatum rehabs from injury. With their star sidelined and the roster in transition, speculation continues about what Boston might do to stay competitive.
Recently, Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston gathered a panel to explore possible moves. Among the suggestions, Adam Hart pitched a notable idea: pursuing free agent Malik Beasley on a “discount prove-it deal.”
Beasley: The Perfect Complement for Celtics?
Beasley was quietly one of the league’s most efficient scorers with the Detroit Pistons last season. The 28-year-old averaged 16.3 points while shooting 41.6% from beyond the arc on more than nine attempts per game. That kind of volume shooting is exactly what championship-level teams crave.
Adding Beasley alongside Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Anfernee Simons would instantly boost Boston’s perimeter firepower. With Jaylen Brown carrying the scoring load in Tatum’s absence, Beasley’s ability to stretch defenses would be invaluable.
Without Tatum, Boston needs reliable offensive options off the bench. Beasley’s scoring punch, paired with the newly acquired Simons, could help fill that void while keeping the Celtics competitive.
Could Boston Pull This Off?
The fit is obvious, but the finances are not. As Hart noted, Boston could only realistically offer Beasley the veteran minimum or a short “prove-it” contract. That’s a tough sell for a player who was once positioned for a three-year, $42 million deal with Detroit before his gambling investigation derailed negotiations.
Even after months of uncertainty, Beasley’s best chance at a payday likely remains with Detroit. Other interested teams like the Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers also offer more financial flexibility than Boston.
Shams Charania recently reported that Beasley still has multiple suitors, further complicating Boston’s hopes of landing him.
Breaking: Malik Beasley is no longer a target of the federal gambling investigation conducted by the Eastern District of New York, his attorneys Steve Haney and Mike Schachter told ESPN. This potentially reopens free agency for one of the NBA’s top shooters. pic.twitter.com/elbC09hprW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2025
What Comes Next for the Celtics?
Signing one of the NBA’s premier marksmen would be a dream scenario for Boston. But the financial math makes it more fantasy than reality. Unless Beasley is willing to sacrifice money for the chance to play for a contender, the Celtics are unlikely to win that bidding war.
Instead, Boston may turn inward. Players like Baylor Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez could be given valuable developmental minutes this season. It may not provide the immediate jolt that Beasley could, but it would align with the team’s long-term vision while Tatum recovers.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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