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As most of you know, I’m the resident Washington Wizards fan on staff. Why would I choose this existence? Who knows. But I did it. And this offseason is going to be a pivotal one for the team.
He was supposed to enter the market in 2019, but he’s signed a two-year extension with Washington to push the period back. And why wouldn’t he? He was creeping up on his 10th service year in the NBA, which meant a massive $250 million payday awaited him instead of the $181 million extension he could’ve had.
All signs have pointed to him coming back to the Washington Wizards for that big $250 million payday after earning All-NBA honors in the 2020-21 season, but an interview with Bleacher Reports’ Taylor Rooks has that ground looking a bit shaky.
“So, it’s twofold…You’re gonna have people rooting for you, saying go, you’re gonna have people saying stay, you’re gonna have people saying take less, you’re gonna have people saying all types of stuff. So, all those things are options, everything’s an option, but for the most part, I’m gonna do what’s best for me, and I can’t concern myself with what other people will say.”
Beal reiterated during the Wizards how much he has committed himself to the Wizards, but this doesn’t sound like a man firm in that decision. This sounds like a man open to his options — as he should be. That’s what free agency is.
But look. Honestly? I just want some clarity. A decision. Something. Anything. As a Wizards fan, I’ve been strung through the mud for the last few years at this point.
It’d be disastrous for the organization that had an opportunity to trade Beal years ago but refused to because of his commitment. And it doesn’t make a ton of sense for him to walk away from that now. But, for the first time in a while, it sounds like he totally could.
As much as it’d suck, though, I’d honestly be glad it’s over. And everyone can finally move on. That’s all I’m looking for. Is the ability to move forward.
But to put a blank banner on a t-shirt before game 4? That’s a pretty bold thing to do considering there’s still lots of basketball left to be played here. Our Bryan Kalbrosky has more.
“Yeah, that is an empty spot for where the eighteenth banner would go if the Celtics won a title this year. Such a decision exudes unabashed confidence for Boston and, meanwhile, provides good bulletin board material for Golden State.”
Look, I have no idea what to expect out of this series at this point. When one team punches, the other punches back 10 times harder. That’s been the theme through three games so far. So the expectation is for the Warriors to punch back again — hard. But it’s the NBA Finals. And the Celtics, in theory, should be ready. The Warriors are always a guarantee to win on the road at least once in the playoffs. But I’m picking the Celtics tonight -3.5. We’ll see how that goes.
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source: For The Win
