Report: Wizards expected to offer Bradley Beal a max contract
With the July 1 NBA free agency period fast approaching, it's looking like the Washington Wizards aren't going to take any chances on keeping Bradley Beal around for the long haul.
According to a report from The Washington Post, Beal — the 22-year-old sharpshooter who is set to become a restricted free agent — will likely be given a max contract offer from the team as soon as the free agency period begins
This comes days after Beal said he feels as though he's a max player and according to the report, Washington is expected to offer Beal a five-year deal, which would pay him around $22 million next season because of the salary cap spike.
But for Washington, the question still looms: Is he worth top dollar?
From a talent standpoint, the answer is simple. Alongside All-Star point guard John Wall, Beal is the second piece to one of the NBA's deadliest backcourts. He has the size and athleticism to keep up with the league's top guards, the shooting touch to help spread the floor as a perimeter threat for his drive-and-dish point guard, and the proven ability to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket. He's one of the most talented shooting guards in the league, and he hasn't even scratched the surface.
The only problem? Staying healthy.
Beal has sat out of 81 regular season contests during his first four seasons in the league. Not only that, but he played in a career-low 55 games last season, large in part due to yet another stress reaction to his right fibula, an injury that has plagued him from the get-go. He's said that the injuries are a thing of the past, but with history as the only reference, Father Time is the only one capable of determining such a thing.
Nonetheless, with an undoubtedly bright future (assuming he can fend off the injury bug) at just 22-years-old, the Wizards — who underperformed to a 41-41 record and a postseason absence last year —appear to be willing to roll the dice, because if they don't, odds are another team will.
Follow AJ Neuharth-Keusch on Twitter @tweetAJNK