By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Bradley Beal looks ready to handle his own situation and become an unrestricted free agent. He discussed his contract status in the latest episode of the “Posted Up with Chris Haynes’ podcast.
“I got time, so I kinda hold the cards right now,” the Washington Wizards star told Haynes. “And one, I’ve never been in this position. I’m kinda embracing that, being able to kinda dictate how I want my future to be and where I want it to be. And at the same time, I’m not gonna make that grand commitment and it doesn’t work. Ultimately, you have to be selfish at some point and for probably the first time in my career, Year 10, I am. And so I’m kinda taking advantage of it in a way.”
Beal, 28, has averaged 22.5 points, 5.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per contest so far in the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season. At 15-11, the Wizards are currently tied with the Miami Heat in fourth place of the Eastern Conference standings.
“Obviously, my full commitment is to the team. I want it to work. I’ve contributed to being here. I’ve committed to being here twice,” he added, “Now, I want to see that commitment to me, as well, that we can create a winning team here, a winning environment here. And granted, I’m a part of that, so I gotta make sure that I’m stepping up and doing my thing, too, just as well.”
After being selected with the third overall pick of the 2012 NBA draft and inking his rookie contract, Beal re-signed prior to the 2016-17 and 2019-20 seasons. In October, he passed on a maximum extension offer of $181.3 million over four seasons. Coming up after his tenth season as a member of the Wizards, the $37.2 million player option for the 2022-23 season. He will be eligible to re-sign with a five-year $241.6 million contract or move elsewhere on a four-year $179.1 million contract if he opts out.
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