Jonas Valanciunas signed a three-year deal with the Washington Wizards in the offseason in what many believed was one of the most questionable moves of free agency.
At 32-years-old, the timeframe of the Wizards rebuild and the closing window of the big man's ability to still compete at a high level just didn't add up. Then, it all seemed to make sense when reports surfaced that the deal with the Wizards was likely going to lead to a win-win scenario during the season that would workout for both sides.
Washington would allow for the center to play meaningful minutes and prove he had a lot to offer contending teams in need of front court help when the NBA trade deadline in February came around. In turn, the Wizards would likely receive draft capital, while Valanciunas would be dealt on the lucrative deal he signed with the team in the offseason.
However, while a move still may happen, recent reports also suggests that the big man has gathered fans within Washington's building and now he could be kept on the team for the long haul due to his early impact for the team's young roster.
And while that may come as a surprise, it's not hard to see why the Wizards would be interested in keeping a player like Valanciunas around despite his age or contract, at least until the offseason.
Valanciunas offers the Wizards valuable veteran leadership
Jonas Valanciunas has continued to play at a high level for the Wizards this season regardless of what role he's been in. Whether he has been slotted in the starting lineup or brought in as the teams' sixth man, the center has continuously showed out and proved to be one of the most reliable players on the team's roster.
Averaging 11.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists, while shooting 55.9% from field goal range on the season, Valanciunas has plenty to offer on the court. However, off the court could be what has impressed the Wizards brass the most up to this point in the season.
Valanciunas has made it clear he has the intentions of leading this young squad regardless of his role on the team. Providing veteran leadership is essential for a team in a rebuild, and the talented big man could be the piece for Washington.
And while he could still be dealt, Valanciunas has gone on record to say he's focused on helping the Wizards and his teammates rather than listening to any of the trade rumors with his name.