Despite the never ending speculation of about his future, Bradley Beal wants to finish his NBA career with the Washington Wizards.
Appearing on the On the Road with Buck and Phil podcast, Beal stated playing with the Wizards throughout his career “would mean the world.”
“That would mean the world, man,” Beal said, via HoopsHype. “I’m a loyal guy. I want to be here. I’m here. I’ve signed my extension. And that will mean the world to me. That honestly would you know, being able to finish your career in one place? You know, you don’t see that in today’s game.”
The 27-year old Beal is under contract for the next two seasons with the Wizards. He signed a two-year extension last year that holds a player option for the 2022-23 season.
The Wizards are coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons with Beal’s backcourt mate John Wall sidelined with a torn Achilles. Last season, the Wizards finished 25-47 missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
That’s despite Beal averaging career highs with 30.5 points and 6.1 assists. The lack of team success prevented Beal from being recognized for his great year, missing out on the All-Star Game and All-NBA honors despite being only second to James Harden in scoring.
The lack of respect nationally has led to numerous rumors of Beal being traded to a more premier team such as the newly crown NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers as well as the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets.
Suspicion increased following news Beal purchased a home in the Los Angeles area. Lakers super fans Shannon Sharpe and Snoop Dogg recently clamored for Beal joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis with the Lakers.
However, the Wizards have no intentions of trading Beal. The hope is with the return of Wall, Washington could get back to their winning ways. The pair led the Wizards to 49 wins and one game short of an Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2016-17, the last season Wall played in full healthy.
Both Beal and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, have previously been adamant of his intention to play out his career in Washington. Thus, Beal’s latest proclamation won’t stop trade chatter otherwise.
