The Kevin Durant race began to smoke this offseason and will really catch fire in 2016 when the former NBA MVP prepares to be a free agent. While the Oklahoma City Thunder are not expected to let the star walk away without a fight, several teams are preparing to make a strong offer to him in the coming offseason. Durant is already the top priority for a number of teams, including the Washington Wizards who might be basing certain contract decisions off Durant.
Bradley Beal is officially allowed to receive a contract extension from the Wizards. The backcourt star has played well with John Wall, but injuries have prevented him from being a true star of the moment. Regardless, Beal is expected to command a max contract, something the Wizards may or may not hand over. According to Grantland's Zach Lowe, the Wizards might as Beal to take less money so they can acquire Durant as well.
In order to sign Durant, Lowe reports the Wizards need $25.5 million. Giving Beal a max contract means the Wizards would have no room for any other adjustments. The match would simply be too tight. Lowe writes that the Wizards might try and take a page from the Spurs' book who signed Kawhi Leonard to a smaller deal, but Washington does not have the leverage or success rate to truly sell Beal on the idea. The shooting guard wants his money now and the Wizards are hesitant to offer it up.
Getting Durant is a long shot in the first place, but if anyone stands a chance at pulling him away from Oklahoma City, it is the Wizards and their home-town factor. However, keeping Beal and getting Durant mean players like Otto Porter could be out if his team option is too expensive. Nene would be difficult to replace. That means the Wizards might not be able to make a roster ready to compete if they hand out too many high-priced deals.
Beal's injuries could play a role in what kind of contract he takes. With injury history working against him, the young star could favor security now instead of risking things for later. According to J. Michael of CSNWashington.com, the two sides are talking with Beal asking for a max contract and the Wizards offering just a little less. If they can ink Beal to a smaller contract, they give themselves room for Durant.