Wizards owner Ted Leonsis expects John Wall to sign contract extension

The Washington Wizards have made a concerted effort to keep their core group intact for at least the next several years. Star point guard John Wall doesn...

The Washington Wizards have made a concerted effort to keep their core group intact for at least the next several years.

One major part still remains, however, in getting All-Star point guard John Wall to sign his Designated Player Extension, which is a four year extension worth about $170 million. According to Candace Buckner of the Washington Post, Wizards owner Ted Leonsis strongly believes that Wall will sign the lucrative offer before the start of the season.

Ted Leonsis said he expects John Wall to sign his Designated Player Extension.

— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) July 19, 2017

Despite Leonsis coming out publicly to chime in on the situation, Wall doesn't appear to be in any hurry to ink a new deal with the team, stating earlier this month, “I’m just chillin'” and trying to figure out the negotiation process.

The 26-year-old is set to enter the fourth year of his five-year, $84.7 million contract that does not include a player or team option for the final season. This pending situation has brought out a greater sense of urgency from the Wizards to have Wall signed long-term in order avoid any potential distraction in the final year of his current contract.

Wall is coming off a career-best season where he averaged 23.1 points on 45.1 percent shooting from the field with 10.7 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game. He also became the first player in league history average at least 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 0.5 blocks for the entire season.