Bradley Beale says he is in no rush to make a decision about his future, but admits he is leaning towards re-signing with the Washington Wizards this off-season.
"It's fair," Beale told reporters in Washington on Thursday as he leaned toward staying with the Wizards. "it is reasonable."
Beale is eligible to sign a five-year, $246 million deal with the Wizards if he declines his player option worth $36.4 million for 2022-23.
The Washington star guard has been ruled out for the season following surgery on his left wrist. Beale, however, says the injury has allowed him to take a good look at the Wizards and younger players, who are getting bigger opportunities with expanded roles in his absence.
Biel said of his injury, "As crazy as it sounds, it's also a blessing in disguise." "Because I can see the team, I can see our young people grow, I can also watch the coach [Wes Unseld Jr.] grow. I can see us grow as a team. Me. I don't have to be in a hurry to take decisions, I don't need to be in a hurry for anything."
Beale said he has always had "direct communication" with Washington owner Ted Leonsis and team president and general manager Tommy Shepard.
"Shep, Ted, we're all good," said Beale. "We know what this summer is."
Beale said he was excited to see Kristaps Porzingis, who was acquired from Dallas on the trade deadline, after he was cleared of a knee injury.
"He's 'The Unicorn,'" Beale said. "He's definitely unique in a lot of ways. So I'm excited to see him on the floor, for sure. He could be special."
Beale stated that the biggest factor in his decision to remain a Wizard will be the team fielding a roster that is committed to winning and buying in Unseld's vision, while also remaining an organization committed to the community out of court.
"And obviously the victory," said Beale. "In a winning environment, a group of people who are committed to winning, buying what the coach wants, buying what the organization needs. Obviously, I play a factor in that as well. I have to get better... but It's important to be around a group of people who want to win and who will buy into what we need to do."
Biel, 28, knows what's ahead of him and the Wizards organization this season.
"It's a big summer," he said. "And I'm excited for it and so are Ted and Tommy. It's a big summer."