Washington Wizards star shooting guard Bradley Beal is trying to embrace the grind.
Trade speculation has enveloped Beal in the past week, and it seemed to come to a head after he poured in 47 points in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. However, there is no indication Beal is prepared to demand a trade.
Adrian Wojnarowski said Thursday on The Jump he spoke to Beal's agent, Mark Bartelstein, who informed Woj his client is focused on getting Washington's season back on track:
“I talked to Brad's agent and he told me that right now, Brad's focus with the Wizards is turning this season around,” Wojnarowski said. “When he signed that extension, he knew there was going to be a period of growth.”
Additionally, Wojnarowski stated opposing teams do not get the feeling the Wizards have any interest in moving Beal. He did, however, say Beal's “long-term” future is very uncertain.
"There's been no indication that Beal might become available. No teams sense that" – @wojespn #NBA #NBATwitter #TheJump #DCAboveAll
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) January 28, 2021
"Beal's long-term future is very uncertain in Washington" – @wojespn #NBA #NBATwitter #TheJump #DCAboveAll
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) January 28, 2021
Beal himself hinted he wanted to right the ship after Wednesday's loss.
The 27-year-old acknowledged his frustration with losing, but also said he has a strong desire to win with the Wizards. Beal also stated he would work on his body language, which has seemingly fueled online speculation.
Here is what Bradley Beal said last night about being Sad Brad meme’d after seemingly every game and how the last two-plus years of losing has affected him:
"I wanna win. This is why I stayed. I wanna win (here). I figure this is the place I can get it done.”
Full quote here: pic.twitter.com/pd7vvtTMCY
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) January 28, 2021
Beal wants things to work out in the nation's capital. The Wizards still feel he is their franchise cornerstone.
However, Washington is in a tough position.
The Wizards are paying over $100 million to just four players—Beal, Russell Westbrook, Davis Bertans and Thomas Bryant—next season. They are likely to be on the hook for Westbrook's $47 million salary in 2022-23, as well. In short, the Wizards do not have the roster to win now and lack the financial flexibility to make impact signings or moves.
For now, Beal remains committed to the cause of winning in D.C. But that could change in a hurry.
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