While some players may not want to return because of the potentially deadly virus, others may not play for reasons that have to do with George Floyd and the ongoing protests, if Matt Barnes’ comments in a recent interview are to be believed.

Sports’ “Dunk Bait” on Monday and said while some players in the league may want to dedicate this season to Floyd, others want to sit out because they feel the league returning would take away attention from the protests.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if some teams or some key players did want to play on behalf and in honor of George Floyd,” Barnes explained at the 2:22 mark of the interview.

The league’s plan to resume play actually would see many players not playing, as only 22 of the 30 NBA teams are included in the group that would restart play at the end of July.

NBA players are keenly aware of the implications of writing off this season, so Barnes’ contentions that players don’t want to resume might seem highly unlikely to many observers.