Update: Beal declined:
I could not be more grateful for the invitation to represent my country, as it is the ultimate honor, however ... https://t.co/lFeNQfWtat
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) June 24, 2016
Of the 12 roster spots on Team USA for the Olympics, 10 are known to be filled.
USA Basketball is apparently waiting on Bradley Beal for one of the others.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
USA Basketball has extended an Olympic invitation to the Wizards' Bradley Beal, sources say, but Beal has much to weigh in a contract summer
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 24, 2016
The Wizards reportedly plan to offer Beal a five-year max contract July 1, but it could be a while until they’d make it official. Because Beal’s cap hold is about $7.5 million lower than a max salary, Washington wants to spend that $7.5 million first then exceed the cap to re-sign Beal using his Bird Rights.
But what if Beal gets hurt in Rio or preparing for the Games? Might Washington pull the offer?
I wouldn’t blame Beal, who has never earned more than his rookie-scale salary, for not wanting to find out.
And I wouldn’t blame the Wizards for not promising to pay him in that scenario. As long as they’re clear about their intentions, they can let him make an informed decision.