Wizards and Beal aren't close on contract extension
Bradley Beal is one of the best young players in the entire NBA, and there's all but no chance the Washington Wizards don't eventually sign him to a second contract. But right now both parties are stuck at an impasse.
Here's CSNWashington's J. Michael with more information on what's becoming an increasingly complicated situation:
"His health has been the sticking point. The sprained ankles continued, including in the series with Atlanta though he played through it. While Beal believes he deserves a max contract -- and when looking around at the deals given out this summer, he certainly has a point -- the Wizards are hesitant to commit to such a four-year deal that's fully guaranteed. Beal averaged just 15.3 points, slightly above his 13.9 as a rookie, and doesn't get to the foul line enough for a player at his position to manufacture offense. That represents a slight shift from the feeling the Wizards had just a year ago."
In addition to Beal's reputation as an injury-prone player, the Wizards must keep as much cap space available as they possibly can if they want to sign Kevin Durant next summer. They can extend Beal now and still have room for a max contract, but it's too close for comfort, and going that route disallows them from adding any more pieces.
In the end, Beal won't go anywhere, but the particulars of his next contract remain intriguing.
(h/t: CSN Washington)
