KEY POINTS

  • Bradley Beal signs a five-year, $251 million contract with a no-trade clause
  • The Wizards guard now has full control of his career moving forward
  • Washington is assured of a reliable contributor with Beal back in the fold

Despite opting out in the final year of his contract with the Washington Wizards to explore the free-agent market, All-Star guard Bradley Beal apparently had a change of heart and elected to come to terms with the same franchise.

According to a report by NBA insider Bobby Marks, Beal agreed to a five-year, $251 million contract with a unique element stipulated in it.

Beal’s deal has the only full no-trade clause in the league, whereas multiple players have a limited no-trade clause or must approve a trade.

Per the report, only 10 NBA player contracts have included a true no-trade clause: David Robinson, John Stockton, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwayne Wade, LeBron James (during his stint with the Miami Heat), Carmelo Anthony, and Beal.

His decision to stay in Washington is a big sigh of relief for the Wizards as Beal originally declined his $36.4 million player option, which paved the way to a massive payday.

In the competitive Eastern Conference last season, Washington finished with a 35-47 regular-season record and was eliminated from postseason contention on March 31 after an Atlanta Hawks win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With Beal back in tow, the Wizards can now shift their focus on planning what they should do to return to the playoffs next season.

It is no secret that Beal wants to lead the Wizards to an NBA title as he mentioned this in an interview with Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks.

"If I feel like I can win in D.C., that's what I'm gonna do, and I want people to respect that," the No. 3 pick of the 2012 NBA Draft class pointed out.

Entering his 11th season with the Wizards, Beal is a three-time All-Star who has twice averaged more than 30 points per game in a season.

Last season, he averaged 23.2 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in just 40 games as he underwent a season-ending surgery on his left wrist this past February.

There could be a domino effect on the horizon for the Wizards with the commitment coming from Beal as the ballclub strives to be more competitive in years to come.

It is too early to tell, but a full training camp along with his recovery may do wonders in getting Beal and the Wizard's latest acquisition in the form of Kristaps Porzingis back into shape and form a lethal pick-and-roll tandem.

Aside from the two aforementioned names, the Wizards also have vital cogs such as Deni Avdija, Kyle Kuzma and Rui Hachimura at their disposal.

With Beal's welfare and security being taken care of, the Wizards are hoping that their talisman can regain his winning groove and help them become real contenders in the East.