When Bradley Beal was faced with one of the most important decisions of this career earlier this summer, whether to stay with the Washington Wizards or move on, he didn’t rush into making a commitment.
Instead, he took his time to carefully evaluate the organization’s future vision, then four days before the October 21st deadline announced that he would accept the Wizards offer, agreeing to a two-year, $72 million contract extension beginning in 2021-22.
“Bradley embodies the type of high-character, team-first player that we want to have representing our fans and our city and we’re very happy to sign him to this extension,” said Chairman and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment Ted Leonsis. “This caps off a tremendously productive offseason by our new leadership structure of smartly and efficiently moving the franchise forward in a positive direction.”
Beal averaged career-highs during the 2018-19 season in points (25.6), assists (5.5), rebounds (5.0), steals (1.5) and blocks (0.7), which made him the first player in franchise history to average at least 25 points, five assists and five rebounds in a season.
“Both the Wizards organization and the city of Washington have been committed to supporting me and my family since the day I was drafted and I feel blessed to be able to show my commitment back to them,” said Beal. “I’m proud to continue leading this team both on and off the court and look forward to being part of building something special.”
Beal on signing an extension with the #Wizards: “I’m happy and at peace with my decision.” #NBA #NBATwitter #DCFamily @SportsJourney pic.twitter.com/3WO7H3ywnq
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) October 17, 2019
Beal also compiled 2000+ points, 400+ assists and 400+ rebounds, making him one of only three players to do so in 2018-19 (joining Kevin Durant and James Harden), and one of 21 players to do so in NBA history. He is the youngest player since Kevin Durant (2013-14) to average at least 25/5/5 on .475 or better shooting in 36 or more minutes.
“Bradley is pillar in the community and an All-NBA talent,” said Wizards General Manager Tommy Sheppard. “He is entering the prime of his career and we are committed to building and developing our team around him as we establish the environment for sustainable winning.”
#BradleyBeal agreed to extend his deal with the #Wizards for two years on a $72M maximum contract. Asked GM Tommy Sheppard to expand on Brad exemplifying what the franchise is trying to represent. #NBA #dcfamily #sports pic.twitter.com/ZIsn8mIxy8
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) October 17, 2019
Beal has been named to the All-Star team in each of the past two seasons and has averaged at least 22 points per game in each of the past three seasons. Beal currently ranks in the franchise top 10 in field goals (ninth), assists (ninth), steals (eighth), points (eighth), three-point percentage (seventh) and became the franchise all-time leader in three-point field goals last season. Beal has started every game for the Wizards over the last two seasons and leads the league in total minutes over the last three.
Beal’s extension is a win for both parties. Now the franchise can move forward knowing their top player is committed to the future.
Beal cited legacy and believing he can help turn the #Wizards franchise around as factors that solidified his decision to extend. #NBA #NBATwitter #DCFamily pic.twitter.com/AiptXSsfPR
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) October 17, 2019