The Washington Wizards made headlines in the offseason by signing veteran free agent Jonas Valanciunas to a three-year, $30 million deal.
At the time of the signing, the big man's fit in Washington just didn't seem to make sense at all. Valanciunas was a big fish on the market with multiple contending teams interested in his services. However, the center opted to ink a deal with the rebuilding Wizards who essentially entered this season on the exact opposite spectrum of contending for a championship.
And through the start of the season, the Wizards 3-19 record proves exactly why Valanciunas' choice to join the young squad seemed to be one of the biggest head scratchers of the offseason.
Nonetheless, it all seemed to make sense when reports surfaced that the team's plan was to allow the big man to increase his trade value for Washington to find a trade partner during the midseason trade deadline. Essentially, Valanciunas would be able to he the contract he was on the open market while the Wizards could use his contract as leverage to land a package during the season.
At 32, it's clear that Valanciunas doesn't match the Wizards rebuild and most people around the league expect the big man to be playing with a different team name across his chest before the seasons over. However, recent reports seem to push back on the idea that a trade is definite.
Wizards want Valanciunas' leadership on roster for long haul
Based on recent reports, Valanciunas could be deemed more valuable to the Wizards front office than originally expected and David Aldridge of the Athletic broke down why in a recent report.
"The Wizards have been adamant that they also plan to hold onto most of their remaining veterans as long as possible during their rebuild. In particular, Wizards officials insist that they want Valanciunas and his professionalism around their young guys for the long haul."David Aldrigde, The Athletic
Not only has Valanciunas seemingly impressed with his leadership, but he's also he's become a player that the Wizards young teammates glow about when they discuss who they love to play with on the roster.
Ultimately, the Wizards could be using this information to drive up Valanciunas asking price by making it clear they don't have to move him, even more so that they don't want to move him. However, it would be hard to imagine at this point in his career that Washington wouldn't do right by the veteran and allow him to compete for a championship down the back half of his career.