In less than three months, the Wizards will arrive at a crossroads with Bradley Beal's contract future, but team president Tommy Sheppard is confident in where things stand between the two sides.

While Beal essentially declined the team's contract offer in October, as all he had to do was wait to earn more money, he also indicated in February he is leaning toward staying. Sheppard doesn't expect to know Beal's official answer until free agency opens in July, but does not seem to be very worried he will leave.

"With the way that the NBA calendar is set up, we can't do anything earlier than July 1. I can just go off of 10 years of a relationship with him. I think he feels comfortable here, we certainly feel comfortable with him here. It's a good fit," Sheppard said.

While Beal can't officially agree to a new contract until July, having some sort of assurance would be helpful for the Wizards, who in many ways have to plan their offseason around him. He is not only their best and most accomplished player, he could account for as much as 35% of the salary cap on his next contract. Beal is eligible to sign a five-year deal worth upwards of a projected $245 million.

Beal missed the final 2 1/2 months of the 2021-22 season due to a left wrist injury, but was able to watch from the sidelines what his potential supporting cast could look like next year. Former All-Star Kristaps Porzingis was acquired at the trade deadline and played well down the stretch. So did their young players; namely Rui Hachimura, Deni Avdija, Daniel Gafford and Corey Kispert.