Bradley Beal has a huge decision to make this summer. The three-time all-star is testing free agency for the first time in his NBA career. While many expect him to ultimately return to the Washington Wizards, the only team he has ever played for, it’s no forgone conclusion, according to Wizards insider Quinton Mayo.
Beal is opting out of his $36.4 million player option for the 2022-23 season to become an unrestricted free agent. The Wizards feel confident they’ll re-sign their franchise player, but Beal has expressed his desire to win in recent weeks.
“My biggest fear is that I walk away from the game without giving myself a chance to win,” Beal told Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks.
Beal has spent 10 seasons in Washington. Once upon a time the Wizards had a promising future as he was paired with former cornerstone John Wall. The pair made four playoff appearances in five years and were one game away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017.
Unfortunately, Wall suffered an Achilles injury that sidelined him for two seasons before the Wizards ultimately traded him. Since Wall’s injury, Beal has endured multiple attempts by the Wizards front office to give him a running mate in the backcourt. They even turned to Russell Westbrook.
Nothing has worked and after four straight losing seasons, Beal may be feeling the marriage with the Wizards has run its course.
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