The Washington Wizards have enjoyed 10 seasons of Bradley Beal‘s excellent play for their franchise, but when speaking with NBC Sports’ Chase Hughes last week, owner Ted Leonsis isn’t “obsessing” over conversations about an extension.
“Brad and I have a very respectful, very honest relationship. It’s very similar to my relationship with Alex Ovechkin. He will obviously always do what’s right for his family. We will do what’s right for the organization. I believe—and I think he believes—that there is synergy in what’s best for him and what’s best for us. It’s not something he’s obsessing over or we’re obsessing over,” Leonsis said.
Leonsis does have some time before things become critical with Beal, who is currently on the first year of a two-year $72 million contract. However, the second year of Beal’s contract is a player option, so he could become a free agent as early as next year if he wants.
And Beal would certainly have a market in free agency, as he has been one of the League’s most dominant scorers over the past few seasons. For his career, Beal is averaging 22.0 points and 4.0 assists per game, and has been named to three All-Star teams in his career.
While he could leave for free agency, Beal himself has indicated in the past few weeks that he is “not in a rush” to get a contract extension done.
The Wizards have gotten off to a hot start this season, sitting tied atop the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 4-1.
