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Bradley Beal could become a free agent as early as the 2022 offseason if he declines his player option. So does that mean he will leave the Washington Wizards after the 2021-22 campaign?
If Tommy Sheppard's update is to be believed, it appears more likely he'll be staying in the Capital for the foreseeable future.
In a recent appearance on ESPN 980, the Wizards president shared that he had talked with Beal and his camp about his future in Washington with free agency coming up. According top Sheppard, he is not concerned about it, hinting that the All-Star guard seems to be leaning on staying with the franchise.
“We've had great dialogue and constant dialogue about where we are, where we're headed and I'm not concerned,” Sheppard said, per Neil Dalal of The Sports Daily.
Sheppard and the Wizards offered Bradley Beal a $181.5 million extension before the season started, but he opted to hold off on signing it as it looks like he is waiting for the 2022 offseason.
In a recent appearance on Chris Haynes' Posted Up podcast, however, Beal reiterated his commitment to the Wizards before highlighting his decision not to sign any extension yet: being able to control his future.
“I got time, so I kinda hold the cards right now. And one, I’ve never been in this position. I’m kinda embracing that, being able to kinda dictate how I want my future to be and where I want it to be,” Beal said. “And at the same time, I’m not gonna make that grand commitment and it doesn’t work. Ultimately, you have to be selfish at some point and for probably the first time in my career, Year 10, I am. And so I’m kinda taking advantage of it in a way.
“Obviously, my full commitment is to the team. I want it to work. I’ve contributed to being here. I’ve committed to being here twice. Now, I want to see that commitment to me, as well, that we can create a winning team here, a winning environment here. And granted, I’m a part of that, so I gotta make sure that I’m stepping up and doing my thing, too, just as well.”
It remains to be seen what Bradley Beal will do with regards to his contract, but it surely looks like Wizards fans have nothing to worry … at least by how things stand today.