The Washington Wizards are trying to build for the future, but with the temptation of Kevin Durant lingering on the market, that is becoming a tough thing to do. The Wizards are trying to invest in several of their playmakers while building enough space to chase the former NBA MVP who calls the Washington area home. Right now, Bradley Beal is learning this the hard way as the Wizards and the young backcourt star are at opposite ends with contract talks.
Beal is up for a new contract and the Wizards are trying to sign him sooner rather than later as they begin discussions before the October deadline. According to CSN Washington's J.Michael Falgoust, the issue is that Beal believes he is a max player and the Wizards do not agree. Beal is demanding nothing short of a max contract and the Wizards are not willing to give him that money right now. Falgoust writes that injury concerns have the Wizards backing off the max deal because they want to see Beal play a full season and stay healthy before they offer him the money.
Ideally, the Wizards want Beal to stick around as he forms a solid tandem with John Wall. At 22, he has plenty of potential and would likely thrive with Kevin Durant also running down the court. Anthony Davis, Damien Lillard and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist were all drafted with Beal and were signed to extensions this summer of max money. However, they are the undisputed franchise stars of their team and Beal is not. That role goes to Wall. This is hurting contract talks.
The chase of Durant is also playing a role. The Wizards want to make sure they have the cap space to acquire the MVP when he becomes available. There is no talk of trading mid-season for him as Washington will simply wait until the free agent market opens up. Does inking Beal now play a role in winning over Durant?
If Durant is leaving the Thunder, it will be for a franchise ready to win now and not later. Wall and Beal help that effort along with Marcin Gortat. Otto Porter is expendable while Kelly Oubre represents the youth of the Wizards and the future. If that roster can put together another trip to the playoffs, they have a shot at impressing Durant. However, Beal's contract numbers might also reflect it which might not make the young star very happy.