Bradley Beal has been in the midst of trade rumors nearly all season long since a rough start to the season saw a hopeful Washington Wizards team sniff the sad reality that this might not be the year they become the playoff dark horse they expected to be.

An early-season rumor noted ownership was willing to move anyone, even Beal and point guard John Wall if necessary, to become competitive. It didn't take long for Beal's name to pop up as the most logical trade asset, due to his youth and a friendlier contract than Wall's or Otto Porter Jr.'s in terms of length and performance.

Beal didn't take these rumors personally:

“I wasn’t bothered, honestly,” Beal told Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype. “In a way, it’s kind of [confirmation] teams want me. It’s kind of [flattering]. In a way, it’s like, ‘Dang, this is pretty cool.' But, at the same time, I hate change. You never want to have up and move, you don’t want to have to leave [for a new team and city].

“Also, in a way, I think it pushed us to produce better. You want to be more productive when you’re on the block. When people see their name in trade talks, they’re like, “Oh man, I have something to prove. I have to play hard.” It’s kind of a two-fold thing. On one hand, you’re kind of excited about it. On the other hand, you’re kind of bummed by it.”

The Wizards are only three games out from the last playoff spot, but unlikely to make a deep run if they catch up to the Detroit Pistons, given the loss of Wall for the remainder of the season, and maybe even the next.

Beal stayed put during this past trade deadline, but it won't be long before teams come calling and inquiring on his availability, considering the Wizards could push the proverbial reset button after the season ends.