The Washington Wizards and guard Bradley Beal are still reportedly unable to hammer out the terms of a contract extension.
Beal, 22, will be entering the upcoming NBA season with only one year left on his rookie deal.
The impasse is reportedly due to the two sides having differing opinions on the exact worth of Beal's contributions.
According to a report from CSN Mid-Atlantic's J. Michael, Beal is reportedly seeking the max-level extension he is eligible for. The Wizards are apparently looking for a deal just south of that.
The two sides still have until the end of October to work out a new deal before the start of the next season, although that is reportedly unlikely at this point. Beal and the Wizards cannot work on an extension during the course of the regular season.
If Beal finishes the next season without any new deal in place, he will become a restricted free agent. Restricted free agents can sign offer sheets with other NBA teams, but the team who has their rights can match any offer and have that player come back to the team.
One apparent reason for why the Washington Wizards have yet to commit any new money to Beal is because they are reportedly planning to make a big splash in next year's free agent market.
The Washington Wizards are reportedly planning on making big money offers to current Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant and possibly another star free agent, according to The Inquisitr.
Durant's ties with Washington, D.C. are being seen as possible reasons for why the former Most Valuable Player (MVP) might consider playing for his hometown team.
By virtue of not giving Beal his lucrative extension now, the Wizards could make their big money offer to Durant and then reward the guard with his own new deal so that it will fit within the NBA's salary cap.
