The Washington Wizards recently offered star player John Wall a four-year contract extension worth a stunning $170 million.
The All-Star point guard will take some time to think over the offer. Wall is considering how it could impact his value down the road. With two years and $37 million left on his current deal, an extension would keep him with the Wizards until the 2022-23 season. Wall averaged a career-high in points (23.1), assists (10.7), steals (2.0), and field-goal accuracy (45.1 percent). Therefore, he qualifies for 35 percent of the cap instead of the standard 30 percent max. Previously, a player was required to be in the league 10 years to be eligible for 35 percent.
Wall wants to see what the Wizards do to improve the roster before signing the “designated player” extension.
At one point, the Wizards were interested in New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. A package made up of Ian Mahinmi, Jason Smith, Kelly Oubre, and a first-round pick could have worked, salary-wise, and the Wizards had considered it in order for Wall to commit to Washington for four more years. That's no longer an option, however, since Wizards forward Otto Porter got paid handsomely on Saturday night. The Wizards officially matched the Brooklyn Nets' offer sheet to re-sign Porter on a deal worth $106 million over four years.
Wall is eligible because he made the All-NBA third team last season, one of the deal’s qualifiers.
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Wall had career highs in points, assists, and steals.[/caption]
The star guard signed a maximum rookie-contract extension with the Wizards prior to the 2013-14 season. He will make roughly $18.1 million next season and $19.2 million in the 2018-19 campaign.
Adding four more years to that deal would keep Wall locked into the Wizards through the age of 32. ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst noted the 2010 No. 1 overall pick will meet with his family and agent as he ponders whether to accept the offer.
The salary cap for 2017-18 is projected to be almost double of what it was four years ago at $101 million. Now that Ottoman Porter is signed, Wall has to figure out if the team is currently one he wants to be with long-term.
