The Washington Wizards have been one of the pleasant surprises of the 2021-22 NBA season thus far. They are currently in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 14-11. They have cooled off a little bit since their hot start, but look like a team that will be in the thick of what is sure to be a hotly contested playoff race.
Washington has benefited greatly from the monster trade they were a part of during the offseason. In what amounted to a five-team deal, the Wizards came away with Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and Aaron Holiday.
Combined with the pieces they already had, the Wizards now have a talented and deep roster to complement their All-Star, Bradley Beal.
Beal’s shooting numbers are down this season, as the 26.6 3-point percentage that he currently has is would be the lowest of his career and the second consecutive season that he would set a career-low in that category. But, that isn’t going to deter him from landing a max contract this offseason, whether it is from the Wizards or someone else in free agency.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Wizards’ Hot Start To Season Prevent Bradley Beal Trade?
Beal could be an unrestricted free agent this summer if he declines his player option for the 2022-23 season. Declining seems like a foregone conclusion, as he can cash in on a lucrative long-term deal that surpasses the $181.5 million extension that was on the table.
That put the Washington Wizards in a tough spot. Without his long-term commitment, rumors were swirling that they would possibly have to trade him to avoid the worst-case scenario of him departing in free agency and the team receiving no compensation.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Wizards’ Hot Start To Season Prevent Bradley Beal Trade?
On a recent episode of the “Posted Up With Chris Haynes” podcast, Bradley Beal addressed his future with the Washington Wizards, saying he is committed to the team but his long-term future will be dictated on his terms.
“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 on “Posted Up.”
“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.”
Washington has a good mix of veterans and young players with some upside. If Beal commits to the franchise long-term, it will be even easier for them to continue upgrading the roster because they will be able to sell players on the chance to play alongside an All-Star and one of the premier shooting guards in the NBA.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Wizards’ Hot Start To Season Prevent Bradley Beal Trade?
With how the Washington Wizards have played thus far this season, they could be convincing Bradley Beal to stay and that a sustainable winner can be built. While many tried pushing him to request a trade out of town, his decision to wait it out and see how things go could pay off in the end with a monster contract and winning team around him.
