Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant continues to be a name circulated in the trade rumor mill.

Jon Morosi of MLB.com reported the Nationals could pivot to a trade for Bryant should they miss out on Donaldson, though they are reluctant to part ways with center fielder Victor Robles. This was something previously noted by Jon Heyman of MLB Network, who also said the Nationals “love” Bryant:

But while the Cubs explore their options, Bruce Levine of 670 The Score reported that sources in Bryant's camp have confirmed that the former MVP wants to remain in Chicago for the rest of his career:

Despite uncertainty over his future, Bryant would like to stay with the Cubs for his entire career, sources in his camp have told 670 The Score. Of course, the catch is he wants his fair value, and his price tag will be hefty. The sides have had talks about a long-term extension at various times over the past three years.

Naturally, the asterisk there is the “fair value” and “hefty” price tag element. Even if Bryant loses his current playing-time grievance, the Cubs have to consider the sheer number of players (including Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber) that will become free agents after the 2021 season.

Still, Bryant's value is hard to ignore. He ranks third in fWAR since 2015, trailing only Mike Trout and Mookie Betts. Bryant also earned a share of the highest fWAR in the National League 2017 (one year after winning MVP), and he has been extremely productive when fully healthy.

Levine opines that the Cubs should wait till the trade deadline before making a decision on Bryant, but his value could be a relative unknown around that time, and the Cubs would be on the hook for most of his 2019 salary. The whole point of trading Bryant would be slashing payroll and adding prospect capital.

Regardless, Bryant's heart is apparently in Chicago.