The Washington Wizards have made a surprise splash signing in free agency. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, center Jonas Valanciunas has agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Wizards. The deal includes neither a player nor team option, per Josh Robbins of The Athletic.
The Wizards made waves in last week’s NBA Draft, selecting three first-round picks which includes second-overall pick and fellow center Alex Sarr. Washington’s new front office is looking to rebuild the roster with a youth movement.
Can Valanciunas bounce back from subpar season?
Valanciunas gives the team a proven veteran, particularly to steer the front court led by Sarr. Last season, Valanciunas’ production dropped, starting in all 82 games with New Orleans. The dip in scoring and rebound was a byproduct of his role diminishing as the team leaned more on a healthy Zion Williamson.
In 2023-24, Valanciunas averaged 12.2 rebounds on 55.9% and 8.8 rebounds. It was the first time in five seasons he didn’t average double-digit rebounds. His playing time shrunk below 24 minutes per game.
Valanciunas entered the NBA in 2012 after being the fifth overall pick by the Toronto Raptors in the 2011 NBA Draft out of Lithuania. He played seven seasons with the Raptors before he got traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. He played three seasons with Memphis but was traded in 2021 to the Pelicans.
Wizards beat out LeBron, Lakers
With his time over with New Orleans, Valanciunas was rumored to be an interest of the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James reportedly was willing to take a pay reduction to land a star with Valanciunas being part of a trio of players, including Klay Thompson and James Harden, James targeted.
Harden agreed to re-sign with the Los Angeles Clippers earlier Sunday. Valanciunas opted to join a Wizards team with a long way to go before they could compete for a postseason run. James reportedly reached out to Thompson personally, as the sharpshooter is the lone option remaining.
The Lakers’ level of interest is still unclear. But for whatever reason, Valanciunas chose the Wizards despite the directions of both teams being totally different. The Wizards have to take any win, anyhow.
Wizards may have potential logjam at center
Valanciunas instantly becomes a mentor for Sarr and Marvin Bagley, who the Wizards acquired in a trade last season. The Wizards also have Richaun Holmes in the mix at center. Holmes, another trade deadline acquisition last season, agreed to a two-year deal to return Sunday after declining his player option. The 32-year-old could boost the Wizards’ rebounding which struggled last season, ranking 30th out of 30 teams.
Sarr is a rim protector and can run the floor, leaking or handling the ball. The contrasting styles between the two big men make for an interesting strategy for new head coach Brian Keefe. How the two split minutes and co-exist on the floor remains to be seen. There is the option of sliding Sarr to power forward.
If all fails, Valanciunas has team-friendly contract. He’ll become a potential trade candidate as Washington moves forward rebuilding.
