Both sides were willing to talk when free agency opened in July, but after many weeks of discussions, the Washington Wizards and shooting guard Bradley Beal are no closer to reaching terms on an extension.
CSN Washington's J. Michael reports that the Wizards are balking at Beal's demands for a maximum contract, amid concerns over his health and reservations about committing a significant amount of guaranteed money.
Beal has struggled to stay on the court since being drafted third overall in 2012, owing mostly to ankle and leg injuries. He missed 19 games last season due to a stress fracture in his right leg, which arose as a product of playing on two injured ankles.
That's not to suggest that Washington isn't willing to commit to Beal, who still projects as a star. Even in a down year last season, he averaged 15.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists while shooting 40.9 percent from deep. He has plenty to improve on, but there's no doubting the 22-year-old's talent.
Beal's star shone brightest during this year's playoffs. He averaged 23.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 41.6 minutes, while playing stellar defense through 10 games.
The other angle for Washington is maintaining future flexibility. Signing Beal to a maximum extension this summer would commit roughly $21 million to their cap for the summer of 2016. If they allow Beal to become a restricted free agent instead, he would count as a cap hold of $14 million. The added financial flexibility could allow the Wizards to make moves.
Washington, D.C. native Kevin Durant, for one, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
However, holding out risks losing Beal. With the cap projected to jump significantly in the next two seasons, Beal could opt to sign the Wizards' qualifying offer next summer and become an unrestricted free agent in 2017. It won't be easy for him to pass up guaranteed money, but signing Beal to an extension this summer would be the safest course of action for Washington.
The deadline for both parties to reach an extension is Oct. 31. That gives Beal and the Wizards two more months to haggle.
