Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal has a big decision to make this summer. Beal has a player option worth over $36 million for 2022-23, but the expectation is he'll opt out and become an unrestricted free agent. The question then becomes if he re-signs with the Wizards or goes elsewhere.
Beal has already hinted at sticking around in Washington on a long-term deal, and he did so again in an interview with Ava Wallace of The Washington Post:
The event comes smack in the middle of a watershed summer for the Wizardsâ star guard. Beal said he is still leaning toward signing a multiyear deal with Washington worth roughly $250 million this July, and in the meantime, heâs focused on rehab after having his cast removed in late April following season-ending wrist surgery in February.
âSurgery was good, recovery went well. Had no issues,â Beal said.
Beal's name has come up in trade rumors for quite some time, but signs continue to point to him re-signing with the Wizards on a five-year deal worth around $250 million. The 28-year-old could always choose to re-sign with Washington and then look for a trade down the road if things don't go well.
It was undoubtedly a rough 2021-22 season for Beal and the Wizards. His scoring average dipped from 31.3 points per game to 23.2, and his shooting percentages took a dive as well. He shot a respectable 45.1% from the field, but he connected on only 30.0% of his 3-pointers. His 53.9% true shooting mark was his worst since 2014-15. And, as noted, his season finished early because of wrist surgery.
While Beal had a down season and finished it injured, Washington will gladly pay up to keep around its franchise star. It will be up to him to determine what he wants to do.
