Bradley Beal opts out of final year with Washington Wizards, to test free agency

Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal has opted out of the final year on his contract and will pursue a new contract in free agency. Beal made the decision to not accept his player option worth a $36.4 million salary, intending to sign a new long-term deal with his current value.

Bradley Beal opts out of Wizards contract

“Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal has declined his $36.4M option and become a free agent, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN,” explained ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “Beal is eligible to sign a 5-year max to return to Wizards – or sign elsewhere on a 4-year deal.”

The relationship between Beal and the Wizards appears to still be a good one and the Wizards made a move earlier on Wednesday that added three-point shooters in Will Barton and Monte Morris via a trade with the Denver Nuggets. The option to re-sign Beal to a new max contract is still in play, but other teams will certainly approach the star with significant offers.

Beal is one of the biggest names in free agency this offseason, especially after Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving opted in to their major contracts for next season. James Harden made the decision to opt out of his $47 million contract as well on Wednesday, with the belief that the 76ers will be able to restructure his contract to help with the team’s off-season signings.

Dejounte Murray joins Trae Young in Atlanta

The Atlanta Hawks are adding an All-NBA player to help Trae Young following a major trade for Dejounte Murray from the San Antonio Spurs. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski explained that the Spurs traded Murray for Danilo Gallinari, three first-round picks and a future pick swap — while the Hawks get one of the best young guards in the league to pair with Young.

The Hawks were able to secure a trade that they had been pursuing for some time, and without giving up John Collins as initial trade rumors indicated. The Spurs fully enter a rebuild as they lose their All-star guard while the Hawks are adding a major piece in a potential championship run.

Murray has dramatically improved over the past three seasons after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in 2018. In 2019, Murray averaged 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists — jumping to 21.1 points, 8.3 rebounds and 9.2 assists last season. Murray’s defense improved as well, finished with 2.0 steals per game last year.