Bradley Beal pens goodbye letter to Washington D.C.

After giving the city of Washington D.C. over a decade of his life, Wizards guard Bradley Beal officially left the nation’s capital this past week after being traded to the Phoenix Suns.

Still, after almost 700 games, Beal had nothing but positive things to say about his time in Washington. In a post that he penned at The Players’ Tribune, the three-time NBA All-Star recapped his time as a Wizard and wrote that, if nothing else, he gave the team and city his all.

“It wasn’t easy to write this. It’s been an amazing 11 years. And it’s unreal to think my time here has come to an end,” wrote Beal. “You spend over a decade somewhere and that place becomes more than just the team you play for. It becomes a part of you.”

“All I can say is I tried my best. Both as the person I was in the community and as the player I was on the court,” Beal continued.

From there, Beal said he leaves with pride knowing that he was able to help Washington play basketball at a level that ‘brought a whole new energy to the city’. He then went on to give a lengthy thank you to the franchise. That extended from top to bottom: owners, GMs, coaches, staff, managers, and, of course, teammates.

By the end, Beal, Washington’s second all-time leading scorer and all-time three-point leader, couldn’t believe the contrast in his life from when he was the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft to today. Now, while he realizes that the time was right for a change, he shared all of his appreciation and hope that the city of D.C. always holds him in high regard.

“It’s crazy how on draft night, I was embracing my parents and brothers. And now I’m leaving with my own family at almost 30,” Beal said. “I really have so much appreciation for the life we were able to build here. I took a lot of pride in being a franchise player, and in my relationship with the community. But I also know this is a business. And from a business standpoint it was the right time for both sides.”

“To everyone in DC: It’s bittersweet. I don’t like how “goodbye” sounds, so let’s just say “see you later”. Peace, Blessings, and Prosperity to the city and fans,” wrote Beal. “I hope you’ll always consider me one of your own.”

Beal, a St. Louis product, arrived in Washington from Gainesville at 19 years old. He now leaves on the cusp of being 30 for the Valley of the Sun to play alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker with the Suns.