The Washington Wizards' plan to pursue Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant in free agency next summer reportedly could delay guard Bradley Beal receiving a contract extension this summer. Washington reportedly could also look into trading forward Otto Porter Jr., if his value continues to rise, in order to set themselves up for 2016.
Beal becomes eligible for a contract extension after the season, but Washington's plan to enter the Durant sweepstakes in July 2016 could have a major impact on what the team does with Beal. Grantland's Zach Lowe looked into the Wizards-Beal situation and indicated Washington's history of paying players as much and as quickly as it can may not happen with Beal.
"Beal could sign a four-year extension this summer that would kick in for 2016-17 and eat into the cap space the Wiz have carved out for Durant," Lowe wrote Tuesday. "A max deal for Beal would start at about $21 million, leaving Washington with almost exactly enough cap space for Durant's max deal - and almost nothing more (assuming Washington doesn't re-sign any of its outgoing free agents over the next two summers)."
Lowe prescribed two solutions for Washington to keep Beal and its chance of signing Durant: Convince Beal to wait until the summer of 2016 - either re-sign once Washington has filled its cap space or sign a brand new five-year deal but for less money - or trade a player.
Wizards swingman Martell Webster was mentioned as a trade candidate, but Lowe suggested dealing the up-and-coming Porter could have an added benefit: the possibility of netting another proven star to help convince Durant to sign with Washington.
"They should also be open to poking around on Porter's trade value if it crests during this playoff run," Lowe wrote. "Star free agents want to play with other stars. Wall is a star, but Beal and Porter aren't, and the Wiz should at least explore what a package of Porter, a pile of first-round picks, and cap filler might net."
Beal and Durant, a Maryland native, become restricted and unrestricted free agents, respectively, after next season.
