NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal says that he’s still leaning toward re-signing with the Washington Wizards this summer.
The Washington Wizards have a huge offseason ahead of them but Bradley Beal holds the keys to the future for the team. He has a player option for next season but will almost certainly opt out for a bigger contract – with the Wizards or another team.
Beal is in the midst of the prime of his career and at age of 28 will be entering the thick of his pro career. The Wizards, who continue to lack direction as a franchise, will be looking to either take a big step forward or step back this offseason.
With Beal, of course, the hope is that they can take a step forward. Without Beal, though, the Wizards will have to reassess where they are as a franchise.
The good news for the Wizards, at least for now, is that Beal continues to say all the right things. And recently, reaffirmed that he’s still leaning toward re-signing with the Wizards and inking a huge extension with the team during the summer.
"[via Washington Post]Beal said he is still leaning toward signing a multiyear deal with Washington worth roughly $250 million in July, and in the meantime he’s focused on rehab after having his cast removed in late April following season-ending wrist surgery in February."
Beal is coming off a season in which he averaged 23 points, five rebounds, and seven assists per game this season. Even with that level of production, this past season was considered a “down” year for Beal.
When he’s at the height of his powers, he’s a borderline superstar. He just needs sufficient help in Washington, something he hasn’t really had since John Wall’s injury and trade.
Nevertheless, this is great news for the Wizards. Retaining Beal would be a huge win for the franchise overall. The hope is that they can continue to build around Beal, but before they go all-in on that philosophy, they need him to sign his extension. It sounds like he’s planning on doing that.