2. Bradley Beal
The Washington Wizards are going to have their work cut out for them the remainder of the season. It is imperative that they show Bradley Beal they can build a winning roster around him or else they run the risk of losing him in free agency this summer.
Beal is likely going to decline his player option and look to sign a new deal in free agency. Unfortunately, he is going to miss the remainder of the season because of a wrist injury, so he will not be able to help the team get into the playoff race.
It would go a long way to convincing Bradley Beal that Washington is the place for him if they can remain competitive for the duration of the season and push for a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament. The acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis was a low-risk, high-reward type of move as he has more upside than Spencer Dinwiddie or Davis Bertans.
Figuring out the point guard position is still a long-term need, but Beal and Porzingis are an interesting duo to build around. Both are All-Star caliber players when healthy and force offensively.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Top Landing Spots For Key Centers Considered Buyout Candidates
The team still has plenty of great role players in Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Daniel Gafford. All of their young talent remains as well, so there are pieces for the Wizards to make a big trade if the opportunity presents itself.
But, it all is dependent on Bradley Beal being locked into a long-term deal. If he doesn’t agree to an extension, Washington will look to make a sign-and-trade deal to recoup some assets.
