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Bradley Beal was asked point blank Friday if the Wizards’ acquisition of Russell Westbrook would help secure his long-term commitment to the franchise, as before the deal was made, he had said in various ways that he wanted to. win and you would be paying. attention to how the front office helped you achieve that goal. Unsurprisingly, he objected, perhaps feeling that a direct statement could be taken incorrectly and as a slight to John Wall, his former teammate.
That said, there was an element of the trade that he and GM Tommy Sheppard couldn’t deny. With Wall coming back from an Achilles tendon rupture, naturally it was going to take some time to catch up. Westbrook, meanwhile, will start the season at full throttle, because he’s healthy and that’s the only way he knows.
“They wanted to be very cautious with John coming out of his injury and you understand that. It will be great to be able to have Russ and give us that 100,000 percent effort every night,” Beal said.
“The addition of Russ certainly impacts our expectations that we can move a little faster,” Sheppard said.
“It was going to take John some time to get back to work after missing two years. We had to incorporate that, we had patience.”
Sheppard, for those wondering, did not keep Beal abreast of the details of the trade while it was negotiated. Beal didn’t seem to expect that either, saying multiple times that he doesn’t want to “play GM.” Like Sheppard said, Beal trusts him to do his job.
Still, it’s hard to overlook the direct effects this move has on Beal and his future. He signed a contract extension in October 2019 and went through a difficult 2019-20 season with the understanding that he would have a better supporting cast in 2020-21.
With Westbrook, you should have that. If Westbrook is healthy and doesn’t suddenly fall off a cliff, he will be the best player Beal has ever played with.
“As well as I want to win, I know [Sheppard] it does too. I know [team chairman] Ted [Leonsis] want, I know coach [Scott] Brooks does it; everyone does, “said Beal.” It was a difficult move, but it was done. That is the business of basketball. We have to take it and run with it. A type of MVP caliber is back that can really help our team. I’m excited about that. “
Beal has said before that he wants to make the playoffs every year and from there, it’s up to him. You don’t necessarily want to jump ship and join a super team.
With Westbrook, the Wizards should be able to return to the playoffs for the first time in two seasons. Now, will that be enough to keep you committed for the long haul? He says he’s not looking that far.
“I haven’t even thought about that. I haven’t. The most important thing is to win now. I want to win. I’m here under contract for this year, next year with a player option as well. It’s a question of we have to win. The organization knows. It’s up to me too, “said Beal.
