NBA: 10 way-too-early predictions for the 2019-20 season

Bradley Beal will demand a trade

The Washington Wizards officially offered Bradley Beal a max extension last week, but even if he did decline it – we don’t know either way at the moment – the team should’ve panic just yet. Beal could make more money if he waits to sign an extension until next summer, and could even be in line for a supermax extension (should he make an All-NBA team this season).

However, I predict that Beal will make his intentions here before the Wizards even get to that point. The Wizards simply aren’t in a position where they can seriously compete with the rest of the NBA. John Wall, who might be on the league’s worst contract at the moment, will likely not play this season and will be coming off a torn Achilles. Even if he does return to his normal form – or at least something close to it – it won’t happen until possible 2021-22.

That’s wasting two more years of Beal’s prime, and I’m simply not sold that he’s willing to wait it out in Washington – even if he does get the max offer that he’s searching for.

Beal will quietly – and professionally – inform the Wizards that he will not sign an extension with the team and would like to be traded. What the Wizards do with that information is anyone’s guess. However, don’t be surprised if we get an all-out bidding war for Beal – public or not – before the end of the 2019-20 season.