by Marcel Mutoni / @ marcel_mutoni
Twenty-two-year-old star point guard John Wall has a pair of lofty goals heading into next season, his fourth in the NBA: to earn a max deal, and to push his Washington Wizards into the Playoffs.
The first one, according to reports, is almost complete.
The Wizards and Wall are said to be close to reaching a five-year, $80 million max extension.
Per the WaPo:
The Wizards and John Wall are closing in on a deal that will keep him in Washington through at least 2019. Wall and the Wizards are near an agreement on a maximum contract extension worth roughly $80 million over the next five years, according to multiple published reports. The Wizards began negotiations with Wall’s agent, Dan Fegan, last week.
Both sides have until Oct. 31 to reach an agreement to avoid letting Wall become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2014. By signing Wall to a five-year max deal, the Wizards would designate Wall as their franchise player and prohibit any other player from signing a similar deal within the organization. Wall, 22, has averaged 16.9 points and eight assists in three seasons since the Wizards made him the No. 1 overall selection of the 2010 NBA draft. He missed the first 33 games last season with a stress injury in his right knee but returned with a strong finish, averaging 18.5 points and 7.6 assists to lead the Wizards to a 24-25 record.
Last season, John Wall told the media that he would be “hurt” if he didn’t receive a max deal, and the Wizards appear determined to ensure his happiness.
As for making the Playoffs, Wall says that it’s a realistic goal, and he sees room for improvement in his own game:
“I’ve improved,” Wall said. “I got better as a player. I think my jump shot is better, my IQ is better and just learning the game and being a better leader. I feel like I’m the player I want to do be, but I still have a lot I want to do,” Wall said. “I could become a better passer, a better defender, I haven’t reached my potential yet. I’m taking it step by step. Sometimes it doesn’t come right away, but I just think, me having the right coaching staff and the right people around me, just helped me grow as a player.”
