The Washington Wizards face mounting pressure to make bold roster changes to keep NBA All-Star Bradley Beal in town ahead of his $36.4 million player option. As he recovers from season-ending wrist surgery, his team is preparing for how they will use the No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Beal is eligible to sign a five-year, $245.6 million supermax contract with the Wizards if he were to decline his player option. As that possibility stands, there have been “a lot” of stars attempting to recruit him to team up.
“A lot,” Beal said. “You know I can’t give you names.”
The Philadelphia 76ers were pondered as a potential landing spot for Beal before they ultimately reached an agreement with the Brooklyn Nets on the trade that featured James Harden and Ben Simmons. The Miami Heat have also been a team many have monitored over the years as a potential trade suitor if Beal were to become available.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: This Blockbuster Trade Sends Washington Wizards Star Bradley Beal To Los Angeles Lakers
The speculation of where he could play next if he chose to depart has not stopped. Despite that fact, Beal has taken pride in still giving back to the Washington D.C. community. On Friday, he was at a ribbon-cutting event in part of the Benjamin Banneker basketball court refurbishment project.
“I don’t intertwine the two,” Beal said. “It’s love that I’ve received from day one. The city has accepted me since a rookie, and here I am going into year 11, and it’s the same love, if not more. I’ve always just tried to pay that back in one way or another.”
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: This Blockbuster Trade Sends Washington Wizards Star Bradley Beal To Los Angeles Lakers
Beal confirmed to reporters at the event that he has made his decision on where he’ll play on his next contract but didn’t feel it was the appropriate time to share. He also mentioned how he envisions his own free agency being “crazy probably.”
The information the Wizards or any potential suitor will want to know about Beal’s offseason is how his left wrist is recovering after surgery.
“The rest is going to be strengthening and stuff,” Beal said. “I’m cleared to do stuff on the court now, which is good.”
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: This Blockbuster Trade Sends Washington Wizards Star Bradley Beal To Los Angeles Lakers
If Bradley Beal decides to stay with the Washington Wizards, they will look to build around him and Kristaps Porzingis after acquiring the one-time All-Star from the Dallas Mavericks. There is a need to address the point guard position along with adding more shooting into the supporting cast.