Receiver Steve Smith says he hasn't demanded a trade but has asked the Carolina Panthers to be "in a competitive situation."

Smith contacted Pro Football Weekly on Tuesday so he could clear up reports that he wanted out of Carolina.

"These people that keep writing these articles, none of them have even spoken to me. What I want to do is be classy and not tip my cards, be respectful to the [Panthers] organization," he told the publication.

"It's not me saying, 'Yes, I want a trade.' It's still a family matter, and when my family feels it's the appropriate time, our actions will show how we feel."

Pro Football Weekly had earlier reported that Smith cleaned out his locker at Bank of America Stadium before the NFL lockout began in March. The report also said Smith, on the same day, took down all of the decorations in the luxury suite his family used on game days.

The earlier Pro Football Weekly report also said Smith asked to be traded before the lockout began.

Smith, however, told Pro Football Weekly on Tuesday that he hasn't formally requested a trade.

"I have not demanded a trade. What I have asked for is to be in a competitive situation," he told the publication. "I sat down with [general manager] Marty [Hurney] a lot of times prior to the lockout. I am respected as a veteran amongst the players as well as the front office. So there has been dialogue [about my future in Carolina] prior to the lockout."

When asked if he expected to be traded, he said he didn't know what to expect once the lockout ends.

Smith's Charlotte home has been on the market for more than a year, but he said last season that was because he was considering moving to another home in the area that would better accommodate his family. He told Pro Football Weekly that he's selling his home because it was too big for his family.