One of the Philadelphia 76ers‘ rumored primary targets this offseason has supposedly decided which team he will play for next. Current Washington Wizard Bradley Beal sat down for an interview with The Athletic and discussed his NBA future while hosting the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Benjamin Banneker basketball court refurbishment project. Bradley Beal — a rumored target of the Sixers — told Josh Robbins of The Athletic that he knows who his next team is; he’s just not ready to tell.
Beal’s reasoning for not announcing his decision prematurely is as commendable as it is frustrating. The star guard stated that he would not be letting this secret loose as it wouldn’t be the right thing to do while he’s still under contract with Washington.
In the past, Beal has been very vocal about his desire to stay in Washington. On multiple occasions, he stated that he is leaning towards staying with the Wizards, and yet, he still has yet to commit on the record. What’s keeping Beal from simply stating that he’s returning to Washington? Is he holding out for more money? Does he have another team on the table he’s considering? Or are his intentions something much more sinister?
It’s possible, if not likely, that Beal has already decided to remain with the Wizards and is simply just toying with the general public. What does he gain from coming out with the news now? Nothing, so why not try and have some fun over the next couple of weeks or so. This is by no means a certainty, but it should surprise no one if it is the case.
With Washington, Beal can sign a five-year $248 million deal while he can only sign for four years and $184 with any other team. Considering the additional year and the roughly $64 million extra over those five years, it’s difficult to see Beal choosing anywhere else for his next contract. Not that it’s impossible, but when you combine that with his public comments on the matter, it would be quite the surprise to see him playing for any other teams next season, likely to the chagrin of the Philadelphia 76ers and their fans.
