Bradley Beal – Washington Wizards
2022-23 Player Option: $36,422,136
For years now, a hot topic of discussion around the NBA and pertaining to the Washington Wizards is what will occur with Bradley Beal’s long-term future.
From trade rumors to the possibility of him leaving in free agency, many have photoshopped Beal in another team’s jersey simply because of the fact that the Washington Wizards have failed to surround their All-Star with enough talent to contend in the postseason.
The Wizards are currently 29-35, 1.5 games back from a play-in tournament spot in the Eastern Conference and it is safe to assume that they are going to miss the playoffs at this point with Bradley Beal shut down for the remainder of the season after undergoing a wrist procedure.
Based on the projected cap for next season, Bradley Beal could sign a five-year, $241.6 million contract with the Wizards or a four-year, $179.1 million deal with any other team, assuming he opts out of his $36 million player option to become an unrestricted free agent.
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All early indications point towards the Wizards offering Beal the maximum amount of money to stay long-term, but there have been some interesting reports recently that suggest Bradley Beal could be exploring all of his options and could possibly look to leave the Wizards.
Former NBA player Andrew Bogut said recently on his “Rogue Bogues” podcast that not only is Philadelphia interested in pursuing Bradley Beal in the offseason to pair with Joel Embiid and James Harden, but that Beal himself may be interested in leaving Washington to go to Philadelphia.
“I’ve heard a pretty big rumor … from some people that are pretty close to the situation in the NBA: Big three to Philly. Brad Beal is trying to get to Philadelphia in the offseason to team up with Harden and Embiid,” Bogut said.
“Philly’s desperate, obviously, to try to get off Harris, anyway. They have been for a while. And I think they’re even more desperate now to free up that cap space somehow. It will most likely have to be a sign-and-trade with Philly. But don’t be surprised if a big three forms in Philly. That’s the word on the street.”
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Whether it is to Philadelphia or somewhere else, the possibility of Bradley Beal leaving Washington once again reigns supreme in the offseason and he will continue to be at the center of trade discussions and free agency discussions until a decision is made on his future with the Wizards.
