A 28-year-old Bradley Beal faces a big decision this summer. With the option to opt-out of the final year of his deal (worth roughly $37 million), he can become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.
Naturally, rumors and speculation have surfaced about Beal’s next potential landing spot. So far, he hasn’t done much to shut them down.
In an appearance on “The Draymond Green Show” last week, the 3x All-Star spoke candidly about his future with the Wizards and his biggest desire going forward.
“I can really make any decision I want. The money is awesome, but that also comes with, when you make that money, you want to win ball games. You want to be able to play for something, right? I want to play in meaningful games. I want to be playing in late June. That’s what I want.”
In the past, Beal has expressed nothing but loyalty to the Wizards. In fact, he recently admitted to the media that he was leaning towards re-signing to stay in D.C.
Bradley Beal when asked if it’s fair to say he’s leaning towards re-signing: “That’s fair, that’s fair.”
But after 9 years of dysfunction and mediocrity, Beal longs to be competitive and compete for Championships. Without a path to significantly improve, there are doubts that the Wizards can ever be a team that the sharpshooting guard can win a title with.
So, you can expect Beal to consider all his options when free agency begins. As an elite scorer and multiple-time All-Star in his prime, he’ll have plenty of suitors lined up for his services.
His decision could very well change the order of the Eastern Conference food chain.
Until then, speculation and uncertainty will continue to loom over the St. Louis native.
