Although Bradley Beal has repeatedly stated that he wants to remain in Washington, Beal can opt-out of his contract with the Wizards in 2022.
While guesting on “The Old Man and the Three” podcast with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter, Beal explained why he structured his deal to include a player option for the 2022-23 season.
In 2022, Beal will be eligible for a max contract worth 35 percent of the cap. But his reasons weren’t purely financial. “I want to win, and [the Wizards] know that, and they have to show that,” Beal said. (starting at 19:20).
“I signed my deal and structured it to where I had some flexibility because, at the end of the day, I still want to win. And the organization has to show me that we want to win.
“I want to see what John [Wall] is like as well. So there’s always going to be hope in that direction. But you still want to be able to protect yourself and kind of be selfish in that regard. How can I create some type of flexibility for myself if we aren’t winning—if I do choose to get out.
“That’s why it was a two-year with one-and-one versus the full three-year [extension]. And on top of that, the All-NBA [snub] kind of screwed me, too. And the 10-year vet max as well.
“Just trying to position myself later down the line with an organization that I have an opportunity to build around myself. But at the same time, I want to win, and they know that, and they have to show that.”
