NBA News: Washington Wizards' Bradley Beal, John Wall Copy Cleveland Cavaliers' Tristan Thompson, LeBron James issue

By Mitch de Leon
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are faced with a budget issue as Bradley Beal demands for a max contract. Wikimedia Commons/Keith Allison

The stalemate situation involving the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James' buddy, Tristan Thompson, has been widely reported on since the NBA offseason began. With the Canadian basketball star adamant on his demand of a max contract deal from the NBA team, the Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves in danger of either potentially losing a priced player or going way above their budget and paying a hefty amount in the form of a luxury tax bill. While the public awaits how the situation will unravel, it looks like yet another NBA team face the "Tristan Thompson" dilemma as the Washington Wizards attempt to wiggle their way out of the max contract demand of Bradley Beal.

The issue between the Washington Wizards and Bradley Beal came to light when the NBA star voiced out his desire to have a max contract deal with the team. However, the Washington Wizards are reluctant to give in to the demand as the NBA team will have to compromise its salary cap space to do so. While that may not seem to be a huge problem in terms of budget, the issues becomes problematic when the plan of signing Kevin Durant into the Washington Wizards enter the picture.

The Washington Wizards have been reportedly one of the most aggressive NBA teams aiming to pursue the Oklahoma City Thunder star in 2016. With Kevin Durant released next NBA season via free agency, along with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, the Washington Wizards want to make themselves a very strong contender to sign the Oklahoma City Thunder player. Hence, the demand of Bradley Beal to have a max contract does not sit well with the plans of the Washington Wizards. Should the Washington Wizards eventually decide to completely reject the demand of Bradley Beal, fans and followers of the NBA star could expect him to be one of the restricted free agents next season.

The standing of Bradley Beal in the Washington Wizards also bear similarity with Tristan Thompson's role in the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post noted that the 22-year-old Washington Wizards star is a notable support for the more veteran players in the NBA team. The sports analyst observed, "The Wizards want Beal to stay in the District long term and form a prolific back court alongside John Wall."

Like Tristan Thompson, Bradley Beal is not the lead player in the Washington Wizards but he is considered a crucial member of the NBA team. Castillo pointed out, "Beal, the third pick in the 2012 draft, is not the undisputed franchise player on his team. That title goes to Wall." However, he also noted that Bradley Beal offers a promising NBA run. Castillo stated, "He's 22 years old, has excelled in the playoffs each of the last two years, and the common expectation is he is on the cusp of a breakout campaign."

It remains to be seen if the Washington Wizards will give in to the demand of Bradley Beal, or if he will end up like Tristan Thompson who is now eyeing other NBA teams to be his next home in the following basketball season.

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