The future of Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal may be revealed. According to HoopsHype’s Michael A. Sotto, Beal will decline his $36.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season and become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Beal, however, seemingly responded shortly after the report surfaced.
Earlier this week, Beal told The Athletic’s Josh Robbins he has already made a decision about his future. But, he will not reveal at this time out of respect of fulfilling his current contract.
Even if Beal opts out of his contract, he can still re-sign with the Wizards on a five-year deal worth an estimated $242 million. Any other team can only offer around $180 million over four years.
Beal has played all 10 seasons of his career with the Wizards. At one point, the Wizards looked like a budding team with Beal paired with point guard John Wall. But since Wall initially suffered an Achilles injury in December 2019, the Wizards have struggled mightily.
Not even pairing Russell Westbrook and later Spencer Dinwiddle with Beal sparked the team past 35 wins in either season.
Beal has earned three All-Star game nods. In 2020-21 he earned All-NBA third team. The Wizards seem stuck in purgatory despite its efforts to build around Beal.
Teams have been rumored to be interested in snagging Beal away from the Wizards in recent years. But, Beal had been content with staying put in the past. Now, teams may have a chance if he decides to opt out and test free agency.
Beal recently hinted he may base his decision on the chance of winning. An opportunity to win could outweigh a $246 million payday.
