Washington Wizards star shooting guard Bradley Beal has suggested he does not want to be traded and is instead hoping to turn things around in the nation's capital.
Beal's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski his client was focused on getting Washington's season back on track, and Beal himself has maintained he wants to win in D.C.
However, is it possible the All-Star is unwilling to seek a trade because of the pandemic?
Matt Moore of The Action Network reported there is a feeling Beal does not want to change teams amid the ongoing pandemic and questions are surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on the 2020-21 season:
Article Continues BelowLeague sources have said for several weeks that Beal has indicated he does not want to be traded this season, if for no other reasons than the logistics and uncertainty during COVID. This is not exactly the best time to go through a major life change, given the global pandemic that continues to rage unstoppably.
Moore added league personnel feel the needle has moved in terms of a potential Beal trade, but nothing is imminent.
The Wizards have yet to show any indication they would move Beal. But it could be in their best interest should they fail to turn the tide.
Beal is under contract through the 2021-22 season, but he has a $37 million player in 2022-23 that he very well could decline in order to sign a more lucrative long-term deal. Thus, the 2021-22 season could essentially amount to a contract year.
The 27-year-old's value might never be higher, and Beal could seek out the opportunity to join a winner. But it appears both sides are hesitant to discuss a possible transition, with Beal reportedly unwilling to alter his personal situation during the pandemic.