The Wizards have said they’re not planning to trade Bradley Beal. But, that may not necessarily be the case.
Washington can offer the 26-year-old guard a three-year contract extension later this month and, if he does not accept the new deal, the team could consider moving him, according to a report from the Washington Post .
The report adds:
"The team has indicated it plans to give Beal the offer, and both the player’s camp and the franchise have remained in contact throughout the summer. Around the league, however, the extension is not viewed as a done deal, and there is a growing belief that Beal will not remain in Washington for his entire career."
Beal, 26, averaged 25.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 82 games for the Wizards last season. He shot 47.5% from the field and 35.1% from 3-point range.
The two-time All-Star, who has spent his entire career in Washington, has two seasons remaining on the five-year, $128 million contract he signed in July 2016.
Beal has “attracted great interest from other teams,” according to the report.
“I’d be naive to say I wouldn’t be (interested in extension talks)," Beal told The Washington Post last month. “Washington is where I’ve been the last seven years, going on eight. It would be great to play in one place forever. But at the same time, you want to win and make sure you’re in a position to do so. I’m definitely going to evaluate who we hire as the GM and who we pick up on the team. All that plays a factor.”
The Heat have reportedly inquired about a potential trade for Beal and they might consider taking back John Wall, as well. Wall ruptured his Achilles in February and it’s unclear if he’ll return in 2019-20.
The Wizards finished last season with a 32-50 record and they're not expected to be in playoff contention in 2019-20, either.
