Bradley Beal is set to headline the 2022 NBA free agency class. There’s been speculation for well over a year that the shooting guard might soon leave the Washington Wizards for another team, but Beal has indicated he’s more likely to stay with the only professional organization he’s ever known.

When asked about his future Thursday, Beal told reporters that it was “fair” to say that he’s leaning toward re-signing with the Wizards. Beal can either pick up his 2022-23 player option for $36.4 million or become a free agent this summer.

Washington can offer Beal a max contract worth $246 million over five years. All other NBA teams can only give Beal a four-year contract. Only a handful of teams will have enough room under the salary cap to give Beal a max deal.

Beal is out for the remainder of the season with a torn ligament in his left wrist. In 40 games before getting hurt, Beal was having his worst season in four years. The 28-year-old averaged 23.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game.

Last season, Beal was an All-NBA Third Team selection for the first time. Beal’s scoring average of 31.3 points was good for second in the league on a career-best 48.5% from the field.

It’s not certain that Washington will offer Beal a full max contract. Since 2017, the Wizards have only made the playoffs twice and never advanced to the second round of the postseason.

Washington could try to sign-and-trade Beal in the offseason. The Wizards would likely receive several first-round picks in exchange for the guard.

Zach LaVine, Kyrie Irving and James Harden are the other stars that can also become free agents in the offseason.

Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards Getty Images | Rob Carr
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