The Washington Wizards had a disappointing 2021-22 NBA season, failing to make the playoffs with a 35-47 record.
The organization has had limited success over the past few years, making the playoffs in just one of the last four seasons.
They have been stuck in the dreaded NBA purgatory of being mediocre but not bad enough for a top NBA Draft pick, which is arguably the worst place for an organization to be in.
This has led to rumors surrounding three-time All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal, with many thinking that he could be a potential trade option for contending teams.
It appears that won’t be the case, as reports have emerged on Sunday indicating that Washington believes in Beal as a building block for the team for years to come.
NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that Beal is “very likely” to opt-out of his upcoming player-option that would net him $36.4 million next season, and plans to sign a five-year max contract extension with the organization this offseason.
Bradley Beal is 'very likely' to opt out of his $36.4M player option and re-sign with the Wizards on a five-year max contract, per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/zGyDinoLv2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 26, 2022
These reports have garnered a ton of reactions on social media, with many questioning why Beal would want to stay on a team that appears to be a long way away from contending any time in the near future.
Do your thing, just don't be complaining in a year from now if your team goes 30-52 next season https://t.co/KiTfc3rUzT
— 🎤N-jay 🏀 (@_Njay3) June 26, 2022
https://twitter.com/realjorgehuizar/status/1541130539565928448
Bradley Beal is doing the same not running from the grind thing as Dame without telling you about how he’s not running from the grind every 15 mins
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) June 26, 2022
For everybody mad at Bradley Beal about to re-sign with the Wizards, just remember what happened to IT in Boston…
Always get that bag first, cause your career can be stopped anytime. pic.twitter.com/kAA1DLlU2u
— OnSMASH (@OnSMASH) June 26, 2022
The Wizards did make a move last season that may lead to some success for the team, trading with the Dallas Mavericks for former All-Star forward Kristaps Porzingis.
Beal missed the majority of the season due to a torn ligament in the left wrist and did not play a game with Porzingis last year.
The two could potentially grow to become an interesting duo that could make some noise next year in the Eastern Conference.
However, Beal may grow to regret this decision if he eventually decides that he wants to be on a contending team moving forward.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.