The Washington Wizards have continued to show exactly what their game plan is as their rebuild continues.
Washington has made it a priority to stack young talent on the roster as every rebuilding team should.
However, the Wizards have also made it clear that adding veterans to serve as mentors for their young squad is a focal point in general manager Will Dawkins' rebuilding plan.
Between the free agency signing of Jonas Valanciunas, failed acquisition of Malcolm Brogdon and bold moves to land Khris Middldeton and Marcus Smart and the NBA trade deadline in February, Washington has had their fair share of veteran additions over the last couple of seasons.
Despite that, they've yet to find the veteran addition that they feel could help them take the next step in their rebuild moving forward.
Fortunately, that could change next season courtesy of the blockbuster trade earlier this offseason to land CJ McCollum from the New Orleans Pelicans.
McCollum not only brings extremely high character to the Wizards backcourt, but after yet another strong season in NOLA, the guard continues to play at a high-level that could alone help Washington take a step forward next season in terms of remaining competitive.
Obviously, at 33-years-old, McCollum doesn't fit the timeline of. the Wizards rebuild and the early expectations were that Washingtoin wouldn't keep the veteran around for long.
Whether that be a trade prior to the incoming trade deadline in February, or moving on from the guard by next season (assuming he makes it into the season with the Wizards), the dynamic playmaker isn't viewed as a long-term option for the Wizards.
Nonetheless, that may not necessarily be true.
It's unclear exactly how the Wizards feel about McCollum moving forward or how long they plan to keep him around, but it wouldn't be a shock to see the Wizards brass grow keen to the idea of keeping the guard around longer than originally expected.
Not only is he viewed as a great teammate, but his high character, crafty play and what he could offer as a mentor could make him a veteran the team plans to mentor their young group for longer than just the 2025-26 season.
Especially with incoming rookie Tre Johnson expected to be a key developmental piece for McCollum to mentor.
Just as Anthony Gill has become a staple to the Wizards culture, it wouldn't be a shock to see McCollum take on a similar role.
That is if the veteran would be interested in sticking around a rebuilding situation.