Bradley Beal has become one of the league’s best scorers in the last 2 seasons, averaging over 30 points during both seasons. His averages have dropped a significant amount this season, but Beal remains one of the most dangerous players on the offensive end in the entire NBA. Because the Washington Wizards have failed to be consistently competitive during his tenure with the team though, questions have always been asked about Beal’s commitment to the franchise.
Other teams are interested in finding a way to acquire Beal, scorers like him are rarely ever available on the market and recent rumors for the first time are suggesting that Beal could leave the team that drafted him. As per the Athletic, for the first time in Beal’s career, he could likely choose to not sign a new contract with the Wizards (via NBACentral).
“From people I’ve talked to, I’m not as confident now that he’s definitely going to come back. I wouldn’t be sitting here betting my life on the fact that Bradley Beal is on the Wizards next season…even though I’m still making them the favorites.”👀
– The Athletic’s Fred Katz pic.twitter.com/wHRZ2dlh7j
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 2, 2022
“From people I’ve talked to, I’m not as confident now that he’s definitely going to come back. I wouldn’t be sitting here betting my life on the fact that Bradley Beal is on the Wizards next season…even though I’m still making them the favorites.”
The Wizards can offer Beal a five-year, $242 million extension, that’s one year and roughly $60 million more than any other team, which would be a huge factor in any decision Beal makes about his future. And according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, it seems Beal will stay with the Wizards after all.
“Despite Beal’s past flirtations with leaving the Wizards, the All-Star guard has by all accounts signale plans to re-sign in Washington this summer. The Wizards can offer Beal a five-year, $242 million extension, that’s one year and roughly $60 million more than any rival can present.
“The Wizards have similarly given no indications they’ll entertain a Beal trade this month. Rather, fortifying a perennial postseason contender with a new co-star like Sabonis would certainly help solidify Beal’s standing in D.C. Executives near and far are bracing against a perceivably developing trend, where stars like Ben Simmons request a trade shortly after signing a lucrative hometown extension.”
At the age of 28, Beal is still comfortably within his prime, and the Wizards have shown that they are trending in a better direction since moving on from John Wall and then Russell Westbrook, acquiring the likes of Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell in the process. In any case, interest in Beal will always remain high but if the Wizards can clinch a playoff berth, then that would add certainty to the belief that Beal will stay.
