Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal claims team officials gave him assurances he won’t be traded.
Beal said he is open to a long-term contract extension with the team.
Beal told The Washington Post that owner Ted Leonsis, interim general manager Tommy Sheppard and coach Scott Brooks all have told him he’s staying put as rumors about interest from the Boston Celtics and New Orleans Pelicans swirl.
“They’ve been very transparent and that’s been great,” Beal said. “They’re not keeping me in the dark about anything, even about the trade rumors. . . . It’s great having that peace of mind.”
Beal, who turns 26 on Friday, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Deeply involved in the community, he said he envisions spending his career with the Wizards but also realizes the time for him to move on could come.
“I’d be naive to say I wouldn’t be [interested in extension talks]. Washington is where I’ve been the last seven years, going on eight,” he told The Post. “It would be great to play in one place forever. But at the same time, you want to win and make sure you’re in a position to do so. I’m definitely going to evaluate who we hire as the GM and who we pick up on the team. All that plays a factor.”
A two-time All-Star, Beal has two years remaining on the five-year, $127 million contract and is due to make $27.1 million in the 2019-20 season. ESPN reported last week that the Wizards were expected to offer him a three-year, $111 million extension.
Beal had his best season in 2018-19, averaging 25.6 points, 5 rebounds and 5.5 assists while playing all 82 games. He became the unquestioned team leader when point guard John Wall was lost for the season in December because of an achilles injury.
On Monday night, he was given the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his work in the community.
