Bradley Beal inclined to re-sign with Wizards

Bradley Beal He says he’s in no rush to make a decision about his future, but acknowledged he’s leaning toward re-signing with the Washington Wizards this offseason.

“It’s fair,” Beal told reporters in Washington on Thursday when asked if he was leaning toward staying with the Wizards. “It’s fair.”

Beal is eligible to sign a five-year, $246 million contract with the Wizards if he declines his $36.4 million player option for 2022-2023.

The Wizards’ star guard is out for the season after undergoing surgery on his left wrist. Beal, however, says the injury has given him a good look at the Wizards and the young players who are getting a better chance with expanded roles in his absence.

“As crazy as it sounds, it’s also a blessing in disguise,” Beal said of his injury. “Because I can see the team, I can see our youngsters developing, I can see the coach [Wes Unseld Jr.] continue to develop as well. I can see us growing as a team. I don’t have to rush to a decision, I don’t have to rush to anything.”

Beal said he has always had “direct communication” with owner Ted Leonsis and team president and general manager Tommy Sheppard.

“Shep, Ted, we’re all fine,” Beal said. “We know what this summer is.”

Beal said he is excited to see Kristaps Porzingiswho was acquired from Dallas at the trade deadline, will play once he is free of his knee injury.

“He is ‘The Unicorn,'” Beal said. “He’s definitely unique in a lot of ways. So I’m excited to see him on the court for sure. He can be special.”

Beal said the most important factors in his decision to remain Wizard will be the team fielding a roster committed to winning and embracing Unseld Jr.’s vision, while also remaining an organization committed to the community off the court.

“And obviously winning,” Beal said. “Having a winning environment, a group of guys committed to winning, accepting what the coach wants, accepting what the organization needs. Obviously, I contribute to that as well. I have to be better … but being around the group of guys, that they want to win and that they will accept what we have to do, that’s important”.

Beal, 28, knows what’s in store for him and the Wizards organization this offseason.

“It’s a great summer,” he said. “And I’m excited about it and Ted and Tommy are too. It’s a great summer.”