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Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
Last updated: 9/30/2019
2022 Free Agents - Bradley Beal
Summary
While Beal is not in the top tier of superstars, he is one of the best scorers in the league and one of the few All-Star level players in the 2022 free agency class.
However, Beal's efficiency has dipped in recent years, and he did not have a very good '21-'22 season before being sidelined with a season-ending wrist injury in February. While some of his efficiency dip can be expected due to the load he has had to carry in recent years, his 30% shooting from three in '21-'22 might raise some concerns. He also got to the free throw line less frequently, shooting only five attempts per game after getting around eight per game the previous two seasons.
Beal shot 35% from three the previous three seasons, and that's probably more where I expect him to be going forward, since the sample size is much bigger than '21-'22 and is more reflective of his current role than the 40% he shot in his first six years.
Beal is a three-level scorer, and can do so off the catch or off the dribble. Because of his off-ball ability, he could fit tremendously next to just about any other superstar in the league. While he certainly has not been good defensively in recent years, he's shown some ability in the past that would suggest he could perform better if he didn't have as much of a burden to carry the offense.
Beal will be almost 29 as a free agent in 2022, but I don't think teams will have to worry too much about decline in the back years of his next contract. Beal will definitely get the max, the only question is: who is he going to sign with? While there aren't many teams with cap space, don't rule out a potential sign and trade.
Cap Considerations
Beal has a $37.3 million player option for 2022-2023, and if he opts out he will be an unrestricted free agent with a $42.7 million cap hold and full Bird rights. Since Beal will have a large cap hold, the Wizards will not have any cap space unless Beal leaves in free agency, so his cap hold isn't really relevant.
The Wizards can offer him a 5-year, $247.7 million contract. Other teams will be able to offer Beal a 4-year, $183.6 million max offer. There's also a good chance he can get a player option and 15% trade bonus too. Beal would be eligible for a no-trade clause if he re-signs with the Wizards. Beal could also sign a shorter-term contract if he wants more flexibility.
Potential Teams: Grizzlies, Wizards, Heat, 76ers, Knicks
Predicted Contract: 4-year, $183.6 million (player option, 15% trade bonus) with the Grizzlies
Actual Contract: 5-years, $250.9 million with the Wizards
I took a bold (/dumb?) swing and thought Beal might push to find himself somewhere more competitive, but instead he did what he always seemed like he would do, and return to Washington on a 5-year max, which turned out even higher than previously projected due to the last minute bump in the salary cap.
Last updated: 6/30/2022
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