Washington Wizards Expected to Trade Jonas Valančiūnas in December
The Washington Wizards are anticipated to trade veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas by December, according to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com. Valančiūnas, who signed a three-year, $30 million deal, is eligible to be moved in the upcoming trade window.
Several NBA teams are reportedly interested in acquiring Valančiūnas, with the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks emerging as potential suitors. The Lakers are seen as a strong candidate due to their need for a reliable center to complement Anthony Davis. While Davis thrives as a center, adding Valančiūnas could reduce his wear and tear over the season. Currently, the Lakers have Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood, but Valančiūnas would be a notable upgrade.
The New York Knicks also stand to benefit from Valančiūnas’s addition. After losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency, the Knicks’ depth at center has been diminished. While the team could employ small-ball lineups, Valančiūnas’s presence would address the gap left by Hartenstein, who was a key playoff performer.
The Golden State Warriors, who have Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kevon Looney on their roster, might consider Valančiūnas a valuable option if their pursuit of Lauri Markkanen does not pan out. Although a Markkanen acquisition would be more impactful, Valančiūnas could provide a solid alternative.
Deveney notes that the Lakers have shown the most interest in Valančiūnas, though they have been hesitant to part with their tradeable draft picks. For the rebuilding Wizards, trading Valančiūnas could yield potential draft assets and young players, aligning with their long-term strategy.
An NBA executive highlighted the significance of Valančiūnas’s recent contract, noting it provided him financial security at a time when the league’s evolving rules have limited opportunities. “It’s a smart move,” the executive said. “It gets him paid and gives the team flexibility to move him to a contender when the time is right.”
As the December trade window approaches, it remains to be seen which contender will secure Valančiūnas and how his presence might impact their championship aspirations.
