Washington Wizards guard John Wall has agreed to ink a five-year contract extension worth approximately $80 million according to league sources with the knowledge of the deal. The deal will kick in at the start of the 2014-15 season and keep the point guard with the Wizards through 2019.
Wall is the first member of his 2010 draft class to receive a contract extension and the fourth point guard in the league with a maximum deal joining former league most valuable player Derrick Rose and all-stars Deron Williams Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook.
According to the Washington Post, Wall, 22, has averaged 16.9 points and eight assists in three seasons since the Wizards made him the No. 1 overall selection of the 2010 NBA draft. He missed the first 33 games last season with a stress injury in his right knee but returned with a strong finish averaging 18.5 points and 7.6 assists to lead the Wizards to a 24-25 record. Late last season Wall was adamant about receiving the maximum contract allowed and added that he would be "hurt" if he didn't receive what he believed he was worth.
Wall is currently practicing in Team USA minicamp in Las Vegas and spoke to reporters to give a status of the progress he's made thus far.
"I've improved" Wall said after Wednesday's practice. "I got better as a player. I think my jump shot is better my IQ is better and just learning the game and being a better leader.
"I feel like I'm the player I want to do be but I still have a lot I want to do" Wall said. "I could become a better passer a better defender I haven't reached my potential yet. I'm taking it step by step. Sometimes it doesn't come right away but I just think me having the right coaching staff and the right people around me just helped me grow as a player."
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