NBA Rumors: Beal Wants To End Career As A Wizard

Bradley Beal could be one of the interesting targets this summer, similar to the brouhaha he has had to endure last year. Of course, most know that his name was still in the trade rumor mill but his latest narrative could probably lower that chances if not put it to rest.

The thing about players getting traded is that NBA teams have the final say. And while Beal made it clear that he wanted his jersey retired in Washington. But then again, how many players have had their numbers retired without having to play their entire career in one team? There are several players who went on to play for another team, each eventually placing their jerseys in the rafters.

Beal recently penned a first-person essay on The Undefeated and shared how he would want to see his jersey retired in Washington. At the rate he is playing, the idea of that happening is not farfetched. This season, Beal has been putting up monster numbers. He is averaging 30.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 35.9 minutes of action. He is only 26-years-old and those numbers are expected to jump further as he progresses.

And while the thought of Beal possibly being dealt remains a possibility, the third overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft hopes he would be excluded from that mix. He wants to join a rare group of players such as Kobe Bryant, Reggie Miller, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki who played for just one team. However, he also said that he hates change and if he had control, he prefers to stay in D.C.

"I hate change. If it happens, it happens. But if I can control it, I will finish in D.C." Beal said.

The Wizards have been trying to stay competitive and are still technically in the race for a playoff seat in the Eastern Conference. They are 4.5 games behind the Orlando Magic but are running out of time. They have 20 games left this season and need to consider several factors. One is that they need to get a streak going and also hope that the Magic stumble along the way.

Beal's take is unlikely to stop trade rumors from circulating. It will continue. But at the end of the day, it all boils down to what Wizards management feels is best. If they feel change is needed, it appears Beal is open to it. And if moving out of Washington materializes, all Beal is hoping for is to get that rare recognition of seeing his number up there in the rafters.