via Getty
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 26: Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) warms up before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena February 26, 2020 in Washington, DC. He has scored back-to-back 50 plus games. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
via Getty
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 26: Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) warms up before the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena February 26, 2020 in Washington, DC. He has scored back-to-back 50 plus games. (Photo by Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
With a lot of the offseason work done and dusted, including free agency, trades, and the Summer League, there are some teams who are yet to get their affairs in order for the upcoming 2021-22 season. The Boston Celtics did not have an ideal season last time, despite having a dynamic duo like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. But of course, the Eastern Conference gets competitive every year and it’s time they make their big moves to be a part of the rat race for the NBA Championship. One of them probably included giving Josh Richardson an extension in order to sign Bradley Beal in the future.
Does Boston Celtics have an eye for Bradley Beal?
As per Shams Charania, the Celtics and Josh Richardson came to a deal for a one-year extension worth $12 million. Richardson was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks this offseason itself. He was supposed to become a free agent in 2022, having one year left on his contract, but this move seems bigger than it is.
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New Boston Celtics G/F Josh Richardson has agreed to a one-year extension that pays him $24 million over the next two seasons, agent Erik Kabe of @BDA_Sports told @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 23, 2021
Any sane person would be thinking that how does giving a player an extension who hasn’t even put on the uniform yet make sense. But Boston has been on the lookout to bring in a third superstar to play alongside Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. And with all the rumors surrounding Washington Wizards’ Bradley Beal, it has started to look like Richardson will be used to bring in Beal later on.
Whether it is Beal or any other big superstar, the Celtics need to get as big in terms of numbers as possible to match the salary. Of course, giving this to Josh will is one step towards that, without having to give up Robert Williams and Marcus Smart. This prediction makes sense because why else would the Celtics utilize so much of their cap space unless there is an ulterior motive.
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What does Josh Richardson bring to the table?
USA Today via Reuters
May 22, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Josh Richardson (0) hangs in the air as he passes off top a teammate as LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) defends in the second quarter of game one in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Josh did not have the best season with the Mavericks last time. He averaged only 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, but was shooting 42.7% from the field. And during Dallas’ playoff game against the LA Clippers, he was pretty much sitting out of the rotation.
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However, on paper, as a defensive wing player, he is versatile and can be an asset on the offense without needing the ball all the time. But going from one team to another, Josh’s numbers have only seen a decline. So, will this gamble by the Celtics be worth it?
READ MORE: What Does the Boston Celtics’ Starting Lineup Look Like For The 2021-22 Season?
