The Washington Wizards have all 15 roster spots filled up at this point in the offseason and appear to have all of the players they want to bring to training camp under contract. The Wizards didn't change too much but one major loss was Paul Pierce, who they plan to replace with Alan Anderson, Gary Neal and Jared Dudley. The Wizards' main priority this offseason was reportedly to sign shooting guard Bradley Beal to a contract extension but that has yet to happen and it is reportedly nowhere close to happening, according to CSN Washington.
Beal is part of an up and coming backcourt that also features John Wall. The Wizards know they need to keep them both together for the near future. The Wizards and Beal have until the season starts to reach an agreement, otherwise Beal will play out this season and become a restricted free agent. Talks are reportedly ongoing and, although most people near the situation believe a contract will get done, the sides are not all that that close at this time.
If the Wizards cannot reach a deal with Beal this offseason they still would be the favorites to sign him next season. They would have the right to match any offer he receives as a restricted free agent but would still strongly prefer it didn't come to that.
The holdup in negotiations for the Wizards reportedly has to do with Beal's injury history. He has had three stress reactions to his lower right leg, in the same non-weight bearing bone, in each of the past three seasons. The recurring injury makes the Wizards want to reportedly have a clause in the deal that would ensure they don't lose money should Beal miss time with that injury again.
From Beal's side of things it is possible that, while the Wizards look to lock him up long-term, he is looking for a short term extension so that he can became a free agent again when the cap rises astronomically in a couple of years. Beal is still only 22 years old and is a budding star in the NBA so it would be wise of the Wizards to try and lock him up long-term as soon as possible, but it may not be so easy. The prevailing thought is that a deal will be agreed upon before the season ends but it likely won't be as easy as initially expected, as the two sides seem to want different things.
