On Saturday, the Washington Wizards announced they have acquired veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas in a sign and trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. As part of the agreement, Washington will send Chicago’s own 2027 second-round pick (protected 31-50) to New Orleans.
According to HoopsHype, it’s a three-year, $30 million deal, which is fully guaranteed for the first two years and non-guaranteed in the third year.
In 2023-24, Valančiūnas was one of six players in the NBA to play in all 82 games (all starts), doing so for the first time in his career. He averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on .559 shooting from the field, tallying 33 double-doubles on the year.
Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin had high praise for Valančiūnas.
“In addition to being an extremely valuable member of our starting lineup in multiple playoff runs, Jonas distinguished himself as a consummate teammate and professional,” said Griffin in a press release. “He and his family will be missed. We wish him nothing but success as he continues his career.”
The 7-footer has appeared in 856 career games across 12 seasons with Toronto, Memphis, and New Orleans, averaging 13.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
The Lithuanian has posted 362 career double-doubles, good for 12th most among active players and ninth-most since entering the league in 2012. His total rebounds (8,096, ninth) and career field goal percentage (.561, 10th) each rank in the top 10 among active players.
The veteran big man should be the opening-day starter and give the young Wizards a veteran presence.
Wizards waive Shamet:
Washington requested waivers on guard Landry Shamet.
The Wizards declined the $11 million option on Shamet’s contract, and he will now become a free agent.
The 27-year-old was acquired in a 2023 trade with the Phoenix Suns and appeared in 46 games (five starts) for Washington in 2023-24, averaging 7.1 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
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