With training camp fast approaching, the only order of business left for the Washington Wizards to possibly attend to is signing Bradley Beal to an extension. Beal and the Wizards have been talking all summer long about a possible extension but haven't made much of any progress. Nothing has changed in that regard, but it seems less likely by the day that Beal signs an extension before the deadline, and the only way a deal will get done is if Beal lowers his asking price, according to J Michael of CSN Washington.
Beal is currently asking for an extension worth the maximum amount, but the Wizards aren't willing to commit that much to him right now. Beal has had injury issues the past few years, and Washington wants him to prove that he can be healthy for a fully season before committing max dollars to him.
Another reason the Wizards likely won't pay him this offseason is that it will put them in better position to land a big free agent, like Kevin Durant, next summer. This is the same strategy the San Antonio Spurs took last year with Kawhi Leonard as they didn't give him an extension, and because of that they were able to sign LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency and also retain Leonard this summer.
Beal is set to earn more than $5.6 million this upcoming season, which is the last of his rookie contract. If Beal and the Wizards don't agree to an extension, he will become a restricted free agent next summer. Because he will be a restricted free agent, the Wizards would still more than likely be able to keep him, as they would be able to match any offer he received.
Beal is entering a huge year personally as his performance this year will determine whether he gets the money he feels he deserves. If Beal comes out and has a great year, the Wizards would be more than happy to give him the max money he wants, but if he has injury issues again, it is entirely possible that the Wizards move on from the 22-year-old shooting guard.
At this point, the Wizards have no reason to sign Beal to an extension unless his asking price comes way down. Not only do they have all of the leverage in being able to retain him beyond the 2015-16 season, but if waiting to give him a contract gives them a better chance at Durant next summer, than that is the wise thing to do.
