New Washington Wizards president of basketball operations Michael Winger has been charged by owner Ted Leonsis to create” a new identity and direction.” Leonsis also has given Winger the authority to go through a rebuild that includes trading Bradley Beal. However, Brian Windhorst stated during a Tuesday appearance on ESPN’s Get Up that Winger hasn’t made up his mind.
“Michael Winger said he has not made up his mind yet,” Windhorst said. “But that indecision has led teams to keep a very close eye on the Wizards. They not only have Beal, but big free agents Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis.”
NBA Rumors: Bradley Beal’s Uncertain Future With Wizards Has a Domino Effect
Beal has spent his entire 11-year career with the Wizards and has had an excellent career thus far. The 29-year-old guard is a three-time all-star coming off a solid season in 2022-23. While he did not score 30 points a game like he did two seasons ago, Beal tallied 23 points on a career-best 50.6% shooting from the field. Beal also knocked down 36.5% of his 3-pointers, contributed nearly four rebounds, and over five assists a game. He produced two double-doubles and scored at least 20 points on 33 occasions.
Washington hasn’t had a ton of success with Beal. The Wizards have made the playoffs in just five of the past 11 seasons and only gotten past the first round twice, the last time being in 2017. The Wiz haven’t won more than 35 games since 2018.
Staying healthy has been a significant issue for Beal. Beal, limited to 50 games this past season, has not played in more than 60 contests in any of the last four campaigns. The Wizards have compiled a 161-229 record over that span. However, they are just 21 games below .500 when Beal plays, meaning he has a positive impact on the Wizards.
What to Do With Bradley Beal?
What does Washington do with Beal? That is the $207.7 million question, which is what Beal is owed over the next four seasons. Beal will make $46.7 million this season.
Washington can’t just go out and trade Beal. Part of Beal’s deal, when he signed the massive five-year super-max contract, was a no-trade clause. Thus, Beal has complete control over his future, per Woj. Not only who he plays for, but what the Wizards get in return for him if he agrees to be traded.
Therein lies the problem for the Wizards. Winger’s decision to rebuild or not does not only affect Beal but the entire franchise. Kuzma and Porzingis each have player options.
Kuzma is slated to make $13 million this coming season, and Porzingis $36 million. Both players are expected to decline their player options, although they have until June 21 to decide officially.
Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porzingis
Kuzma and Porzingis will be unrestricted free agents if they opt out as expected. Both are coming off one of their finer seasons and likely will be heavily pursued. There have been indications that the pair are willing to return to Washington.
Kuzma produced career-highs in points (21.2) and 3-pointers (2.5) in 2022-23. He hauled down 7.5 rebounds and compiled personal highs with 3.7 assists and 3.0 turnovers. Kuzma also totaled 14 double-doubles and a triple-double.
According to NBC Sports Washington, Kuzma plans on “going through the process.” But the Wizards have said they will push to keep the 27-year-old forward. Kuzma has indicated a willingness to return.
“It’s 100 percent an option… I’ve had a great time here. I’ve developed my game significantly here and there’s good people here. I’d be a fool to say it’s not an option for me.”
“I’ve grown tremendously these past two years and Wes [Unseld Jr.], Tommy [Sheppard] and Ted [Leonsis], they all gave me this platform to do this and even be in this situation. I definitely see it here because they do support me.”
“I’m just trying to be myself. I’m trying to get better every year. It’s not about money, I’m going to get paid regardless anywhere [I go] and here, too. It’s about can I come into work every day and be the best version of myself, can I help lead guys, can I make other players better, can I light up rooms. All those things matter when you’re trying to be successful,”
Porzingis compiled 23.2 points, 8.4 caroms, and 2.7 assists this past season. The 27-year-old big man produced a shooting slash line of .498/.385/.851. He was also the most efficient of his career and posted 20 double-doubles, the third most of his career.
Porzingis and Washington have discussed a possible extension; according to reports, that is part of why he will opt out. The following was from Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype over five months ago.
“Two NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe Porzingis could opt out of his $36 million player option and enter free agency with the potential to secure a new long-term contract from Washington or another team along the lines of three years, $90 million or four years, $120 million given his current health and play this season.”
It is possible that Washington could move Porzingis in a sign-and-deal. The New York Knicks have been linked to a potential destination for him.
So, the next few weeks could get very interesting in the nation’s capital. Because what direction Winger decides to go with Beal and the franchise will likely have a profound effect on what Kuzma and Porzingis ultimately decide to do.
