Washington Wizards Free Agency: Ryan Anderson Profile, Bradley Beal Re-Signing?

The Washington Wizards are sitting at home watching the playoffs from their respective couches. However, they can right the ship next season if they can add the right head coach and a few pieces to fit into the playing puzzle. With the addition of Ryan Anderson, the Wizards can become a threat in the Eastern Conference again.

Anderson has gotten little, to no fanfare in New Orleans. He puts up 17 points per game and grabs six boards. Every season he will miss a few games, here and there and has only missed most of 2013-14 season due to a freak neck injury.

The power forward is also represented by Jeff Austin (of Octagon Sports), who is also the agent for up-and-coming star Giannis Antetokounmpo, reigning MVP and reigning NBA champion Steph Curry and the young, but talented, Jordan Clarkson.

According to a few sources, Anderson could command a $20-million salary, per season. That is much higher than what he received yearly during his 4-year, $34-million contract with the Pelicans. However, Washington fans should not fret. The Wizards will have $45,293,711 in cap space in the upcoming offseason to spend according to RealGM.com which explains:

"The Salary Cap is scheduled to make the first of two large jumps in time for the 16-17 season. Beginning with the 14-15 season the Cap has increased from just over $63 million to $70 million (15-16). Next season (16-17) the jump is projected to increase by $19 million up to $89 million and then jump to $108 million for the 17-18 season. These large increases are going to reset the NBA’s financial structure. Contracts north of $10 million per season will be commonplace and potentially even the average salary."

Basketball-wise, Anderson fits like a glove for the Wizards. He is a stretch four who can make life miserable for defenses. He’s 6’10 and can shoot like a guard. Defenders balk at the opportunity to guard him. Pairing him with the guard duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal, the Wizards could have another formidable young trio.

Speaking of Beal, can the Wizards re-sign him? All of the signs are pointing to yes. Beal definitely let it be known that he wants to be back.

“I want to be here. I don’t know,” Beal said when asked if he plans on gauging interest around the league or re-signing with Washington immediately, via the Washington Post. “I don’t even know what I’m getting into right now. It’s like choosing colleges again. But I’m happy where I am. Hopefully, we can agree with each other this summer and we can get it done. But if not, it’s a business at the end of the day.”

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According to Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post, “consensus around the league is that the Wizards will retain Beal and will need to pay him max-contract money to do so.” The only problem is that he had the injuries.

“It’s crazy. I’m very unique,” Beal said. “Nobody else has this injury except for me so it’s kind of hard to reach out or research anybody else who has it and that they’ve done for it. So it’s kind of like a guinea pig, so to speak, and I’m just testing out things to see if they work or not.

“But I trust the doctors. We’ve been on a good program every summer. I haven’t had any experiences or any injuries during the summer so I think as far as that, it’s kind of a 50-50 thing. But when the season [comes] around, it’s something I need to adjust to. Really think adjust, really think about what can help prevent me from having the injury again.”

Hopefully Beal can have a healthier offseason and bring the Wizards back to the playoffs.

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