4 Reasons the Washington Wizards need to continue their playoff push

Keep the Stars Happy

Above all, the Washington Wizards need to keep winning in order to keep their stars. Mainly, I’m talking about Bradley Beal and Davis Bertans.

On one hand, Bradley Beal just signed an extension earlier this season, so you would think his future in the nation’s capital is secure. However, the guard has grown visibly frustrated with the team’s continued losing. He seems to take it particularly bad when they fall to the Chicago Bulls. And this isn’t new. Beal showed some of the same tendencies last season as the Wizards slowly watched the playoffs slip away down the stretch. A losing streak to close the season might convince Beal they do need more than just Wall, and that might make him more interested in finding a new home.

Beal’s been loyal to the Wizards, there’s no doubt about that. But people change their minds every day, and all the losing obviously isn’t making Beal any happier. A rough final stretch could have Beal thinking ‘enough is enough’ after eight seasons, and then it’s back to daily trade rumors.

Davis Bertans, while certainly not a star of Beal’s caliber, could also feel less than enthused about rejoining the Wizards if they can’t compete down the stretch. Throughout the season, Bertans has expressed his desire to play alongside Beal and Wall next season. However, he’s also put emphasis on winning, stating quite clearly that “Winning is important” when it comes to where he’ll end up next season.

Washington has done a lot to garner favor with Bertans, whose Bird Rights they currently possess, by expanding his role on offense, giving him a perpetual green light, and signing his countryman Anzejs Pasecniks to a multi-year deal. All of that is great, and Bertans seems to certainly be enjoying his incredible uptick in offensive production this season, but after proving what he can do in D.C., it’s likely that he’ll get the green light treatment on other teams, too.

If the end of the season sours Bertans’ feelings towards his current squad, it might make him more inclined to choose a proven winner this summer instead of sticking around in Washington.

While a high draft pick in this year’s lottery would be great, the Wizards have a few things to consider before committing to the tank. It might not be in their best interest to punt on this season after all.