Despite reports continuing to state that the Washington Wizards have no intentions to trade away All-Star shooting guard Bradley Beal anytime soon, this has done little to quell trade rumors that continue to hound the 26-year-old. One of the more recent whispers involve Beal's potential move to the Brooklyn Nets to form a new Big 3 with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Beal himself has finally reacted to all this noise, and he views these rumors “as a sign of respect” because he's coveted by other stars:

“It's not the first time I've heard this kind of talk,” Beal told Jackie MacMullan of ESPN. “It's interesting. To me, I look at it as a sign of respect, that I've been doing good things and guys want to play with me.

“That's an unbelievable feeling. When you hear that Kyrie [Irving] and KD [Kevin Durant] want you, s—, that's amazing. At the same time, you don't know how much there is to it, or how easy it would be to do. And I've put down roots in D.C. I've dedicated myself to this town, this community. I love it here, and it would feel great to know I could grind out winning here instead of jumping to another team.

“But I'd be naive to say that I don't think about it when these stories come up.”

This is a typical response from Beal and is similar to how he has addressed what seem to be perpetual trade rumors at this point. He declares his loyalty to the Wizards, but at the same time also does not shut down the possibility of making a move away from the team if it comes to that.

In so many words, Beal is saying something to the effect of: “I'll stay as long as I'm wanted.” The Wizards do still seem to want him, so for now, it appears he won't be going anywhere in the near future.