In the midst of a crazed NBA free agency 2016, where it took less than 20 minutes after midnight for a nationally reputable reporter to retweet a fake account claiming a fake deal, the Washington Wizards calmly broke news: They were nearing an agreement on the framework for a five-year, $128 million maximum deal with Bradley Beal. When you whiff on a chance for Kevin Durant in free agency, or rather Durant gives you the stiff arm, you must turn to your next best option.
Beal is a homegrown, 2012 Wizards draft pick who’s shown promise, is one of the better natural shooters in the NBA, and, yes, someone who’s been injured frequently.