Celtics Could Reportedly Explore Bradley Beal Trade if Kyrie Irving Leaves

The Boston Celtics are gearing up to see the man who's been their centerpiece the past two seasons (for better or worse) Kyrie Irving walk out the door and explore his options as a free agent. It's already been rumored that Irving could be signing with the Brooklyn Nets, but nothing is set in stone quite yet.

Wherever the mercurial point guard ends up, the Celtics are going to look drastically different next season. Once they lose their superstar, they're going to need someone new to fill his shoes. And to do exactly that, it looks as though Boston could be in the running for one of the most popular trade targets of the 2019 NBA offseason.

Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal has already had his name tied to a number of teams. In the days following the Anthony Davis swap, we've encountered myriad rumors that the Pelicans are interested in adding the 25-year-old All-Star in a trade that could involve the No. 4 overall pick in this year's draft.

Regardless of the rumors, Wizards executives have been adamant that they don't plan on dealing Beal. However, if the Celtics can put together a substantial package to send to Washington (and after all, who has more assets than they do?), things could change.

When, and if, Irving signs with a new team, the Celtics are going to be left with a serious void at the point guard position. If Danny Ainge and the Celtics can put together a deal that heavily benefits the Wizards, they could land their next shooting star right as their previous offensive load-bearer leaves.

Add in the St. Louis connection that Beal shares with Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown plus a sequence of draft picks doesn't sound so ridiculous.