ROR Sport: There's been a lot of reporting about Bradley Beal's uncertain future at the Washington Wizards. The star defender does sound very clear, though, where he wants to go. In a new close-up by Kevin O'Connor by The Ringer, Bill sounds more willing to stay in Washington, despite the team's recent troubles. The star guard could be a free agent at the end of the season, but he got the wizards' superstar treatment. The team, particularly general manager Tommy Shepard, has consulted Beal on line-up changes and playing styles. So far, Bill has been impressed.
"Shep played the hand he was processed with," Beal said. "He had to clean up something to shape it the way he wanted it to, and I was impressed with that. The way he acts, he is able to save us without giving up crazy choices or assets, to get what we want. ”
Not only that, but Beal is also actively seeking to recruit a star to play with him. He spoke of the "freshness" of the organization and tried to see Washington, D.C., as a big market.
In other words, Beal doesn't sound like a player in a hurry to leave Washington. This is also consistent with some previous reports. He seems to be waiting to sign a long-term contract to see what the young Wizards can do this season. That being said, it may not come as a surprise if he ends up signing.
Lillard has a three-year guarantee on his contract with the Blazers, plus player options for the 2024-25 season, so he may change his mind sometime before his contract expires. However, teams that sound like he'll be asking for a trade shouldn't expect that to happen anytime soon. Lillard has embraced Billups' vision for the team and is sticking to staying in Portland for the foreseeable future.
"He's always been where I want to go," Lillard said, referring to the championship Billups won as a Pistons player. "That's where I landed. It's something new; we're moving in a new direction. See if he has a way to solve this problem. Let's take a look. If I come half-heartedly, I won't see that. ”