Bradley Beal still has a shot at a super-max contract, but the Wizards‘ lack of success on the court may stand in his way, writes Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. Beal can make himself eligible for the deal, which would pay about $254MM over five years, by making an All-NBA team. He fell just short last season despite averaging 25.6 PPG, and Washington’s 32-50 record may have hurt his cause.
The Wizards will likely be even worse this year after launching a youth movement. Tomas Satoransky, Trevor Ariza, Jeff Green, Bobby Portis and Jabari Parker are all gone from last season’s team, and more minutes will go to Troy Brown Jr. and rookie Rui Hachimura. Hughes notes that Westgate Sportsbook has set Washington’s over-under on wins at 28.5. It has been 15 years since a player has made an All-NBA team while winning fewer than 29 games.
There’s more news from Washington:
- Davis Bertans, who was acquired in a trade with the Spurs, will probably start at power forward until Hachimura proves he’s ready, predicts Fred Katz of The Athletic. Hachimura could still win the job with an outstanding performance in camp, but Katz sees Bertans as the safer choice. He doesn’t believe they’ll be in the starting lineup together, even if C.J. Miles isn’t able to play at the start of the season.
- Jordan McRae received additional guaranteed money by staying on the roster through 5:00pm Eastern time yesterday, tweets Bobby Marks of ESPN. McRae’s guarantee on his $1,645,357 contract doubled from $200K to $400K. He will get another $200K if he makes the opening-night roster. McRae appeared in 27 games as a two-way player last season and will be fighting for a roster spot in training camp, as the Wizards have just 13 fully guaranteed contracts.
- Antawn Jamison tells Candace Buckner of The Washington Post he’s enjoying his new role as director of pro personnel. Jamison decided to leave television behind when new GM Tommy Sheppard offered him the job. “This is … my calling as far as after basketball and being in the front office and being a piece of the puzzle in trying to put the right pieces together,” Jamison said. “This is going to be fun. I love being able to come back to D.C. and being around people I respect and people who respect me. Out of all the things that have happened after basketball, this might be the smoothest transition.”
The safer choice smh, for what wizards,have no business trying to win with that roster rui should be getting 30 minutes per game you just drafted him ninth overall.
If healthy, Isiah Thomas might help Beal get more points per game.
If Bertans and Miles are playing more than Rui and Troy I’m going to quit this damn team for good.
The Wizards are so stupid. I was never a major fan of the Wizards but I did like what they had going on a couple years ago. 2016-17 They had Wall Beal Porter Morris and Gortat with Oubre, Bogdanovic, Jennings, Burke all off the bench and won there division.
Obviously they have only gone down hill from there, funnily enough that year is the year Scotty Brooks took over as coach.
I think they should’ve made a trade for a better centre earlier and that paying Mahinmi in free agency was a terrible decision.
I think taking Troy Brown Jr at 15 was a bad choice considering if they traded up 1/2 spots they could’ve got Micheal Porter Jr.
I think taking Rui Hachimura at 9 was a bad choice when they could’ve taken Cam Reddish, or could’ve traded down form a couple first around 15-25 range where they could’ve got NAW and Brandon Clarke.
Now it looks as if Clarke (21) could be a better player than Hachimura (9).
Now they look set for a complete rebuild. Bradley Beal should definitely be looking for a way out. If he wants the Super Max he needs to make an All NBA team which won’t happen while playing for the Wizards who won’t even win 30 games. My suggestion which is best for both the player and the rebuilding Wizards is to trade Beal who is still young for a package of young players and picks.
The Nuggets can give you Gary Harris (24), Micheal Porter Jr (21), Thon Maker (22), a first round pick and two second rounders for him. Giving you 3 young players and 3 picks plus it sends him to the West.
Or the Knicks for Bobby Portis (24), Dennis Smith Jr (21), Kevin Ntilikina (21) and 2 first rounds, 2 second rounders. Again 3 young players but this time 4 picks.
For me a trade to the Nuggets makes the most sense, the Nuggets swap Harris to Beal and give up Porter, Maker (who they haven’t even signed yet) and only first which isn’t a hell of a lot because they have a deep roster. Yet the wizards get back 3 players with high ceilings and a couple picks.
As for the Knicks deal they give up Frank who they aren’t keen on, Portis who they overpaid and DSJ who is hot and cold plus a couple first but they get an all star to pair with Randle and Barrett and Knox. Making them more attractive for future free agents too. The Wizards get back a a good young PG which is good, they get back 2 first from a weak team, Portis who they know well and Ntilikina who hopefully can preform.
For me Send Beal to the Nuggets out west and get back a package of good young players and some picks then continue to rebuild.
Nuggets are not giving up Porter. But they would be wise to see if they can get Beal. Beal would make them scary in the West!