Washington Wizards: Is Bradley Beal Worth Max Extension?

Bradley Beal and John Wall make up one of the best backcourts the NBA has to offer. Beal himself, is a young and still rising star that is in the argument of being in the 6-10 range when ranking the shooting guards around the league.

This summer, NBA free agents around the league hit the bank with in regards to their new contracts. For instance, Wesley Matthews, who also plays the same position as Beal, received a max contract from the Dallas Mavericks.

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Now, a big reason behind the contract with Matthews had to due with DeAndre Jordan leaving them high and dry after signing with the Los Angeles Clippers at the last second. As other free agents continued to get these overwhelming contracts, whispers in D.C. started up about whether or not Bradley Beal will ask for max money next summer.

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Beal will definitely ask for max money next July, but the question is, is he really worth it?

Beal has been the kick-start to the Washington Wizards once again becoming relevant in the Eastern Conference. Once he and Wall were able to play with each other for a season to gain chemistry, they were able to put together a decent enough season to make their first playoff appearance since the 2007-08 season.

For his career, Beal is averaging 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, which aren’t exactly statistics that scream max contract. But then again, neither were Wesley Matthews’. His ability to stroke it from outside and offer toughness on defense is what makes him valuable and a perfect fit for the Wizards.

Looking at it from Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld‘s perspective, you have to keep in mind that your team is also in the running to land Kevin Durant next summer. So, how could the Wizards pay both Beal and Durant max money?

Zach Lowe from Grantland.com breaks down that if the Wizards did indeed give Beal the max extension, it would leave them with $25.5 million left, which the amount Durant is looking for.

May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

The only hang up to that deal is the Wizards would have no money left unless some ring hungry veterans would be willing to join for dirt cheap. Even still, the depth would be lacking sorely and would be a challenge for the Wizards to convincingly come out of the Eastern Conference, especially if LeBron James stays in Cleveland.

One of the routes the Wizards could go is offering him a couple of million dollars less than the expected max due to the number of injuries Beal has suffered throughout his short career. Just in last season, he suffered fracture in his left wrist, a toe injury, and a stress injury in his fibula that kept him out a portion of the season.

During his rookie year, he was out for the final month of the season due to a leg injury. These are red lights that can be used in the Wizards’ favor, barring no one else throws max money his way. If the Wizards could convince Beal into taking a deal just a little less than the max, it still leaves them the opportunity to sign KD and other capable players.

In the end, is Beal worth a max deal? In today’s NBA, yes. But if both he and the Wizards organization are serious about putting together a contender for years to come in the Eastern Conference, both sides will agree to a deal that allows them to do so.

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