Bradley Beal agreed his return to the Washington Wizards for a huge five-year, $251million contract as free agency began on Thursday.

Beal had declined his $36.4m player option for the 2022-23 season, becoming an unrestricted free agent.

That move allowed Beal to seek a maximum contract extension as he re-signed with the team.

The agreement was first reported to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski by Beal's agent Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports.

Wizards president and general manager Tommy Sheppard confirmed: "The Wizards intend to enter into a player contract with Bradley Beal once the moratorium period ends."

While Washington could scarcely afford not to reward their key man, it is a huge commitment to a player who was limited to 40 games in 2021-22 due to injury.

The Wizards have won only three playoff series in Beal's 10-year NBA career. They have made the postseason just once in four seasons.