Speculations are out that the Washington Wizards' sweet-shooting two guard Brandley Beal could possibly choose to leave the squad when he becomes a restricted free agent next summer after his request for a contract extension was denied by team officials.
Dan Feldman of NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk reported that Beal's "negotiations with the Wizards were going nowhere" and finally the team had decided not to give the 22-year-old, three-year pro the extension that he wanted this season as the November 2 deadline passed.
Allegedly, Beal is asking the team for a long-term, maximum salary deal, but the Wizards were said to be not ready to give him that kind of money at the moment as they are reportedly preparing to be a part of the high-profile Kevin Durant sweepstakes next summer.
Feldman noted that the Wizards do not lack the desire to grant Beal his max extension, but that giving it right now would eat a bigger chunk of the team's salary cap next year, which may hurt their bid to sign Durant.
However, there will always be risks for both parties, such as a (knock on wood) devastating injury for the player or an interested rival team offering huge bucks for the restricted free agent to try and pry him away.
Of course, the Wizards will always have "the right to match any offer Beal receives" next summer, as indicated by Bleacher Report, and they are ready to do it and more just to keep their talented young player.
It does not make sense for Washington to let go of a rising superstar like Beal and not give him the money that he deserves. It just that the team is looking at the big picture and the best-case scenario for all concerned.