The Washington Wizards are once again sitting out of the NBA playoffs.
They ended the regular season in 12th place in the East with a lacking 35-47 record, meaning they won’t even get a chance to fight for the postseason via the play-in tournament.
All eyes are now on the team’s leader, Bradley Beal, and what he wants to do.
Does he think the team can be built stronger or will the loyal player plan a move to another franchise?
NBACentral shared a video of Beal speaking to the press and he seems disappointed but also committed.
Noting that he’s “definitely frustrated,” Beal also said he was at peace with the team and what they need to do.
He said he isn’t going to use his ability to demand a trade as a weapon and sounds like he will remain in DC for the foreseeable future.
“I’m definitely frustrated”
– Bradley Beal pic.twitter.com/W1Ww9bmblw
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 10, 2023
For the team’s front office, Beal’s position brings relief.
For fans, it brings frustration.
Many followers of the Wizards have grown very upset by the stagnant nature of the team and Beal’s output and they let it be known on Twitter.
But most of them don’t know what will change.
“He played 50 games this season. He gets hurt often. His contract is pretty bad. I don’t know what Washington or Bradley Beal expect now,” IKD said.
Is the team good? No
Is Bradley Beal a superstar? No
Bradley Beal paid like a superstar? Yes
He played 50 games this season. He gets hurt often. His contract is pretty bad. I don’t know what Washington or Bradley Beal expect now
— IKD (@ESPNneedsIKD) April 10, 2023
Beal was able to pull off a rare feat during his last contract extension: he received a no-trade clause meaning he controls his future.
This is what happens when you pay non-Superstars max dollars.
Then on top of that, you give them a no trade clause.
— Raoul Duke's Burner ™️ (@raouldukescell) April 10, 2023
he’s really at peace with back to back 35 win seasons that’s all i need to hear
— ☄️✨𝖜𝖎𝖟𝖆𝖗𝖉𝖘𝖊𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖘✨☄️ (@wizardseries) April 10, 2023
It is truly shocking to see the Wizards only achieve exactly 35 wins in consecutive seasons.
One user compared Beal to Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers, another player who continually rides it out with his team through good times and very, very bad.
“Dame and Beal are like an old married couple to their teams who are constantly unhappy but will never get divorced,” they said.
Dame and Beal are like an old married couple to their teams who are constantly unhappy but will never get divorced.
— Dami (@KingDami5299) April 10, 2023
It sounds like Beal will be back next year, ready to try again with the Wizards.
Will that finally be the season they turn it all around?
NEXT: Fans React To Bradley Beal's Honest Admission