NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal doesn’t plan to sign extension with Wizards

Bradley Beal, NBA Rumors, Wizards, Extension — WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 05: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Houston Rockets at Capital One Arena on January 05, 2022 in Washington, DC, NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal doesn’t plan to sign extension with Wizards. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

The Washington Wizards were one of the hottest teams at the beginning of the season. Unfortunately, they then stepped through the wrong door just like Sully and Mike Wazowski did in Monsters Inc. when they ended up in the arctic – things went ice cold.

Since their cold stretch, things have begun to level out a bit, and the Wizards are 23-22. That’s good for eighth place in the Eastern Conference, but the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors are right on their tail.

So, since everything has evened out, all should be well in the nation’s capital, correct? Nope. Not even close.

NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal doesn’t plan to sign extension with Wizards

According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN (subscription required), Bradley Beal has no plans of signing an extension with the Washington Wizards. In fact, he’s made it clear to them that he won’t be signing one.

"“Beal has made it clear he doesn’t plan to sign an extension and likely will skip his player option.”"

As the quote implies, Beal has a roughly $37 million player option for next season. Accepting it would see him stay in Washington while declining it would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent.

Based on the quote by Windhorst, it sounds as though Beal could be on his way out of Washington sooner rather than later. Despite this, the Wizards don’t seem inclined to move him.

NBA Rumors: Washington doesn’t plan to trade Bradley Beal before the February 10 trade deadline

Brian Windhorst would go on to detail the fact that the Wizards aren’t planning on trading him. They understand the fact that he probably won’t re-sign, but that doesn’t matter.

"“That would make some teams nervous, but to this point, there has been no real discussion of Beal on the trade market, league executives said.”"

Obviously, Bradley Beal could simply re-sign with the Wizards this offseason. But the fact that he reportedly doesn’t want to sign an extension is definitely a cause for concern.

So, it seems as though Beal won’t be moved by the February 10 trade deadline, regardless of whether or not the Wizards should or not. Only time will tell, but if he doesn’t get moved, it will sure make for an interesting offseason.