Bradley Beal is breaking off a little preview of what may be to come for him.
The Washington Wizards star spoke with reporters on Thursday for the first time since undergoing season-ending wrist surgery. During the interview, Beal, who can become a free agent after the season, hinted that he may be re-signing with the Wizards.
“That’s fair,” said Beal when asked if it was fair to say that he was leaning towards re-signing, per Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington.
“I can see the team, I can see our young guys develop, I can see Coach [Wes Unseld Jr.] continue to develop, too,” Beal added.” I can see us grow as a team. I don’t have to rush to a decision, I don’t have to rush to anything. Everything is just take it a day at a time, take it a day. [President Tommy Sheppard], [team owner] Ted [Leonsis], we’re all good. We know what the summer is and that’s always been a straightforward communication for us.”
The three-time All-Star Beal, one of the NBA’s best pure scorers, will turn 29 later this year. He has a $36.4 million player option for next season but is eligible for a lot more money than that. Washington can offer Beal a five-year, $245 million contract if he opts out. They are also the only team that can offer him that long of a contract for that much money, giving them a built-in advantage in keeping their homegrown star.
While the Wizards are a fairly medicore team, they have a nice supporting cast of players to surround Beal with for the long-term. That includes Kyle Kuzma, Thomas Bryant, Deni Avdija, Corey Kispert, and the just-acquired Kristaps Porzingis, all of whom are 26 or younger. Beal hasn’t always been too happy with the situation in Washington. But staying put probably makes the most sense because it would allow Beal to lock in the most money and to remain the undisputed alpha dog on a decent enough squad of young talent.
Photo: Jan 30, 2020; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) warms up before the game between the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Hornets at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
