Nick Young did not know when the trade deadline was

Nick Young was one of several veteran players the Los Angeles Lakers were rumored to be shopping in the lead up to the trade deadline. The eight-year veteran, who is averaging 7.2 points per game on 35.4 percent shooting in 18.8 minutes per game, even told Mark Medina of the L.A. Daily News that he wouldn't be surprised if he was traded as the deadline grew closer this week.

The trade deadline passed at noon on Thursday with the team either electing not to sell off any of their veterans or not being able to find a suitable trade for them. Young was happy to still be a Laker even after seeing his name in rumors, but he told reporters he actually thought the deadline was on Wednesday, so apparently he already thought he had avoided being included in a trade. I guess that misconception is one way for Young to have gotten through his Thursday morning stress-free as the deadline approached:

Nick Young said he thought the trade deadline was yesterday. so when he showed up at practice yesterday, he said, "I'm still a Laker!"

— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 18, 2016

Nick Young concludes his media sesh after practice today with a huge smile: "Can't get rid of Swaggy P!" #NBATradeDeadline

— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) February 18, 2016

Some will be upset the Lakers did not make a move, but it actually makes sense for them to avoid attaching an asset like a future pick just to deal Young's contract and see if he can bounce back next season with a more clear role in the rotation. The team could also look to deal him this summer when teams have missed out on free agent targets and might be able to talk themselves into Swaggy-P.

All stats per NBA.com. You can follow this author on Twitter at @hmfaigen.