Bradley Beal explains decision to re-sign with Wizards - “There was nowhere else for me to go where I can be like, ‘Oh, I can go win’”

Washington Wizards superstar Bradley Beal signed a massive five-year extension with the side this offseason. While the decision was heavily criticized, Beal recently opened up about why he re-signed with the team.

Beal is considered to be one of the most prolific scoring guards in the league. After earning three All-Star selections over the course of his career, Beal certainly finds himself among the upper echelons of shooting guards.

While the 29-year-old has garnered a lot of attention for his ability to score, Beal hasn't had a lot of postseason success. This inevitably means that he hasn't really experienced or mounted a relevant title charge.

Bradley Beal was a key figure in several trade rumors in the offseason as well. Considering that the guard had title hopes as well, it only made sense that he would pursue the opportunity to win.

However, Beal opted to stay in Washington and picked up a handsome five-year supermax extension in the process.

The move has been heavily criticized as many believed it contradicted his desire to win a title. However, Beal recently opened up about his decision to stay in Washington. Speaking up on the "No Chill" podcast with former Wizards legend Gilbert Arenas, Beal expressed why he re-signed with the Wizards.

He started off by listing out the pieces on the roster that impressed. With mentions including Kyle Kuzma, Rui Hachimura and Corey Kispert, Beal suggested that the team had the potential to grow. He then added:

(from 15:15-16:01)

"We still need to get better. I'm not saying we're going to hold up the Larry, we're going to beat Milwaukee tomorrow, no. But to have the pieces we have, we know that we have enough to compete on a nightly basis with no BS."

However, Beal also mentioned another reason, which he referred to as the "business side" of the situation. He said:

"There were no teams in the market, just free agency-wise. I'm just being frank. There was nowhere else for me to go where I can be like, 'Oh, I can go win.' Those teams had - strategically, wasn't what I wanted.

"Realistically, I won't say my hand was forced but this was my best decision, best option."

Beal's decision to stay in Washington appears to be justified. However, the aspect of none of the other teams in question looking like contenders is a bit questionable.

As things stand, the Wizards are tied for 10th place in the East with the New York Knicks. Featuring a 11-13 record, Washington aren't exactly in a position to compete for the title just yet.

Related: Brian Windhorst speculates Washington Wizards ‘Big 3’ as a reason for Bradley Beal’s commitment to the team — “The Wizards might have a big 3”

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Bradley Beal remains on the trade radar

Although the Washington Wizards managed to secure Bradley Beal for the long term, the guard is still garnering attention in the trade market. Some rumors have linked Beal with teams such as the LA Lakers as well.

Beal was linked with the LA Lakers in the offseason as well. Considering that the Purple and Gold were looking to ship Russell Westbrook at the time, an opportunity for a star swap presented itself.

The Wizards guard could have provided the Lakers with the necessary perimeter shooting and scoring. However, trade talks didn't progress beyond a point.

Given the current scenario, it seems unlikely that either team would be willing to make the trade happen. Bradley Beal remains on the trade radar as a potential target.