Wizards, Beal to open extension talks this week

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With the majority of this year's free agents off the board and team needs addressed, NBA franchises can turn their attention to the future.

For the Washington Wizards, that means opening contract negotiations with Bradley Beal, which will begin as early as this week, Beal's agent told CSN Washington's J. Michael.

As a soon-to-be fourth-year player, Beal and the Wizards have an Oct. 31 deadline in place to reach an extension agreement, or the 22-year-old will become a restricted free agent next summer.

While the Wizards would still have the ability to match any offers for Beal as an RFA, they could potentially save themselves some money by extending him this summer, before the salary cap explodes in 2016.

Beal, who has averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, three assists, and a steal through three seasons with the Wizards, will earn just under $5.7 million in 2015-16.

The Florida product has quickly emerged as one of the league's most dangerous long-range threats since being selected third overall in the 2012 draft, knocking down 40 percent of his 3-point attempts while expanding his offensive game, but durability is a concern, as Beal has missed 54 games due to a variety of ailments.

Beal's potential as a two-way star at the shooting guard position has been especially evident during the playoffs, as he's averaged roughly 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists in 21 postseason contests, helping the Wizards advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals in back-to-back seasons.