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Bradley Beal’s agent strongly denies an earlier report that the Wizards star guard wants out of Washington.
NBA reporter Chris Sheridan reported a source informed him that Beal “has made it known in no uncertain terms that he wants out of Washington pronto.”
However, Beal’s agent, Mark Bartelstein denied the report of his client wanting out of D.C. Speaking to Candace Buckner of the Washington Post, Bartelstein says the report is “absolutely not true.”
(2/2) Bartelstein on the Beal report: "That is absolutely not true. The only sources that would know Brad thinking’s are Brad and myself. And Brad’s focus is 100% on helping the #Wizards play consistent, winning basketball.”
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) November 26, 2018
The Wizards have struggled through a 7-12 record to start the season. With the struggles have come various reports of dissension throughout the locker room and organization. Recently, Beal was involved in a heated practice highlighted by an argument with teammate Austin Rivers while John Wall was involved in a similar argument with Jeff Green.
Beal also chimed out his frustration to general manager Ernie Grunfeld reportedly saying to a degree “this is what I’ve been dealing with for seven years.”
Shortly after the incident an ESPN report suggested that the Wizards were willing to consider trades to shake up the struggling roster, including making Wall and Beal available.
Beal is the most attractable player on the Wizards’ roster for a trade with his mixture of age (25 years old), high-ceiling potential, and favorable contract (signed through 2021 – $25.4 million annual average).
Beal was selected by the Wizards with the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He has developed into one of the two cornerstone players, teaming with Wall to make arguably the best backcourt in the Eastern Conference.
This season, Beal leads the team with 21.5 points per game, second with 4.1 per game assists, and tied with Wall for the team lead with 1.2 blocks per game.
The Wizards reportedly turned down a trade for Jimmy Butler when the Minnesota Timberwolves requested Beal to be included in the trade.
