Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas is no stranger to trade rumors, and the veteran big man isn’t letting them distract him from his role with the team.
As the February 6 NBA trade deadline nears, the 7-foot center’s name has surfaced in various trade discussions, largely due to his affordable $9.9 million salary for the season. However, Valanciunas is staying focused on the present, understanding that the business of the NBA often involves uncertainty.
“What can happen in the future, maybe tomorrow, maybe even today, I don’t know,” Valanciunas said of the possibility of being traded, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “If it happens, it happens. It’s a young team still putting the pieces together. Everything can happen.”
Valanciunas, who joined the Wizards on a three-year, $30.3 million deal last summer as part of a sign-and-trade, has been a stabilizing force for Washington’s roster, helping mentor their promising young players. Despite the rumors swirling around him, he has expressed satisfaction with his current situation in Washington.
“They wanted me, they showed some trust in me, so I’m happy here,” he added. “You’ve got to stay patient. But we get better, we practice, and the young guys drive me to get better, too. I feel the kick in my ass to practice and get better and work on my skills. So, I’m taking advantage of that.”
The veteran center’s attitude has been a positive influence on the Wizards’ young squad, who are in the midst of a rebuilding process. While the trade chatter continues, Valanciunas remains committed to his role, working alongside the next generation of talent in Washington.
Whether he stays or goes before the deadline, the big man’s professionalism and focus will continue to set an example for the team.
- Related | NBA trade rumors from Hoops Wire
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