Bradley Beal declines player option, becomes free agent

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal declined his player option. Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Bradley Beal declines player option for 2022-23 season, heads to free agency

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 6/29/22

Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal declined his player option for the 2022-23 season, his agent announced on Wednesday.

In declining the $34.6 million option, the veteran shooting guard can sign a five-year max deal that will keep him in Washington or become a free agent when the market opens up on Thursday.

Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal has declined his $36.4M option and become a free agent, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Beal is eligible to sign a 5-year max to return to Wizards – or sign elsewhere on a 4-year deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 29, 2022

Beal has long indicated that he would like to stay in D.C. and continue his career with the Wizards. Should he sign a max deal and stay with the team, that deal could be worth upward of $250 million.

Woj: "Bradley Beal has indicated all along that his loyalties and wanting to see it through in Washington."

(h/t @_Talkin_NBA)

pic.twitter.com/DpbCBeLO46
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 29, 2022

Beal, who turned 29 this week, has played his entire 10-season NBA career with the Wizards. The three-time All-Star entered the 2021-22 season coming off back-to-back 30-ppg campaigns but had his season cut short after undergoing wrist surgery in February. He ended 2022 averaging 23.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.6 assists over 40 games.

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