Watch: Raptors' Valanciunas thanks Ujiri for not trading him to Pistons
Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Jonas Valanciunas is relieved to still play for Canada's team.
In the latest episode of "Open Gym," the Toronto Raptors center expressed his gratitude to team president Masai Ujiri for not moving him at the trade deadline, despite rumors he could head to the Detroit Pistons in a deal involving Andre Drummond.
"Thank you, Masai," Valanciunas said, laughing, at around the 8:44 mark.
"I know you didn't want to go there," Ujiri replied.
"Nah. When I saw that Drummond and my face together, I was like ... (wags finger) 'Please no,'" said the 24-year-old, who's played for the Raps since they drafted him fifth overall in 2011.
"Hey, you're way better than Drummond," the executive assured the Lithuanian.
- With h/t to Reddit
Advertisement