Beal calls Nets trade rumors 'a sign of respect'

Bradley Beal isn't bothered to see his name linked to the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets reportedly held recent internal discussions on how to acquire the Washington Wizards' star guard, likely to form their own Big Three of Beal, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant. The 26-year-old considers the interest in him high praise.

"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," he continued. "When you hear that Kyrie and KD want you, shit, 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."

The Nets would almost certainly need to orchestrate a trade for Beal, who's under contract in Washington through at least the 2021-22 season.

Beal has averaged 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, and shot 38% from three over eight seasons with the Wizards while leading them to four playoff appearances alongside John Wall. Wall, who hasn't played a game since tearing his Achilles in February 2019, said earlier this week that he's now "110%" healthy but still doesn't intend to return this season, according to ESPN.

Beal is eager to take to the court again with his longtime teammate.

"My biggest thing right now is that I want to play with John again,'' Beal said. "I want to see him get back to that level where I know he can be, especially since my game has grown so much (while he's been out). What can we accomplish together? I'm so happy he's healthy, working his tail off.''