Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal sought advice from Hall of Famer Ray Allen this summer.
Beal's contract with the Wizards was up after next season and Washington might have had to trade the All-Star if he didn't accept its extension offer.
None of that came to fruition, though, as Beal signed a two-year, $72 million extension with the Wizards. As a guest on the Woj Pod with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Beal opened up about his decision-making process and how he went to Allen for advice:
“I talked to Ray Allen during the summer,” Beal said, via Mike DePrisco of NBC Sports Washington. “He was in Milwaukee and Seattle and those years were rugged you know, they weren't always great but he was one of the best players and he was always making sure those teams were in the playoffs or making some type of noise.
“He was like, ‘Ultimately it's your decision. The only person that can make Brad happy is Brad, and you have to what's best for you.' It was kind of a no-brainer, just duke it out and make it work. My leadership has to grow, it's kind of growing every day, but I feel like I have a natural knack for it.”
Beal is now guaranteed $130 million over four seasons. His new deal contains a player option for the 2022-2023 season. Beal would be eligible to sign a five-year, $266 million contract with the Wizards in the summer of 2022 if he declines that player option.
So far this season, Beal is averaging 29.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. The Wizards are 3-7 on the season.
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