The Washington Wizards are keeping a close eye on 2016 as they continue to finalize their roster for 2015. With free agency basically wrapped up, the team is now concerned with contract extensions for the following year. With several players working player options for the next few seasons, the next big name coming up in need of a pay day is Bradley Beal. Will a contract for the young star get done with Kevin Durant a top priority next year?
According to J. Michael of CSNWashington.com is reporting that the Wizards are starting talks with Beal about a contract extension with the goal to get one agreed upon by the October deadline. Beal's agent Mark Bartelstein and Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld are now speaking about a potential deal with free agency finished for Washington. Beal is currently entering the final year of his rookie scale contract and set to earn $4.7 million for the next season. He is coming off an inconsistent that included a stress reaction in his right leg. However, that is unlikely to factor into the contract talks for Beal.
According to ESPN, Beal is a max-contract player whether fans believe he is or not. There is hesitation on whether or not Beal is worth cashing in on considering injuries have factored in to his career so far, but he did lead the team in scoring during the postseason and there is potential for growth. The Wizards want to get Beal locked up on this year's salary cap so that they have more room in the coming years when the cap hits around $40 million over the next two years.
The Washington Post is reporting that the pursuit of Kevin Durant is going to push Beal's contract to get done sooner rather than later. The Wizards want that flexibility next season to really pull in the Thunder star so signing Beal now will help. The issue is that Beal likely knows he can get more money next season when the cap spikes and could turn down a contract now. That is the route that players like Tristan Thompson took last year and it should pay off in big money this year. Beal could follow his lead.
The Wizards are hoping for big things from the team this year after a disappointing exit from the postseason. Otto Porter will be playing for a new contract while Kelly Oubre is hoping to get the starting nod. If the Wizards play well they could be looking favorable to Durant.