Bradley Beal is reportedly mulling over his future with the Washington Wizards. The three-time All-Star has long vowed his allegiance to the Wizards. However, a number of reported factors have led to him second-guessing his situation in Washington.
Among them is the fact Beal’s perceived control with the Wizards was put to test in the team’s head coach hiring. According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, Beal was upset that his top choice, Sam Cassell, did not receive a second interview for the position that ultimately went to Wes Unseld Jr.
But that control didn’t reach the Wizards’ recent head coaching search the way Beal wanted, according to sources, one of the reasons he was frustrated when his top choice for the job — 76ers assistant Sam Cassell, an assistant with Washington during Beal’s first couple of NBA seasons — couldn’t land a second interview. Former Nuggets assistant Wes Unseld Jr. eventually landed the gig, replacing the incumbent Scott Brooks earlier this month.
Cassell is currently an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers. But he spent five seasons as an assistant with the Wizards between 2009-2014. There, he coached Beal for two seasons before leaving to join Doc Rivers’ bench with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Beal’s loyalty to the Wizards stems from his stature with the organization that he built in his first nine seasons. As noted by Katz, Beal wants to own franchise records and ultimately have his jersey in the rafters of the team’s home arena. More importantly, he wants to feel like he has a say in the direction of the team.
The Wizards’ coaching search isn’t the lone factor in Beal rethinking his commitment to the team. According to Bleacher Report, the trade rumors surrounding Russell Westbrook are also key among other things. Beal wants to win, and for the last three seasons that’s something Washington has failed to do.
For what’s it worth, Beal has not requested a trade. Yet, his decision could come as early as this week ahead of Thursday’s NBA Draft. If he does request to be moved, it would benefit the Wizards that it is before the draft.
Yet, Washington doesn’t feel pressure to move Beal by the draft, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports. Instead, they could hold on to the three-time All-Star until next season’s trade deadline since he still is under contract another season.
The Warriors, Heat, Celtics, Blazers, Lakers and Mavericks are considered most intriguing to Beal if he asks to be moved. Nevertheless, as long as there is no commitment from Beal the speculation about his future will continue.
