February 5, 2025
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Wizards are trading center
Jonas Valanciunas to the Kings in exchange for guard
Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks. Sacramento recently moved
De'Aaron Fox to San Antonio and acquired guard
Zach LaVine. However, the Kings will add a quality big man to bolster their depth chart. Valanciunas has averaged 13.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists throughout his career. While he's not as efficient on the defensive end, he provides double-double upside and can help take some pressure off
Domantas Sabonis. Valanciunas isn't a lock to see consistent minutes with his new team. Still, fantasy managers should monitor him moving forward, especially if he gets some starts at the five moving ahead.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
July 23, 2024
Washington Wizards center
Jonas Valanciunas agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with the team this offseason. However, NBA insiders Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps have doubts about him playing out his contract in Washington. In fact, both believe he could be gone ahead of the 2024-25 trade deadline, with the Lakers being a team mentioned as a possible landing spot. At any rate, Valanciunas is coming off a down year, finishing with averages of 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds. The Wizards selected
Alexandre Sarr in the 2024 NBA Draft, so his development could be the deciding factor. If Valanciunas ends up in Los Angeles, he'll likely see plenty of minutes. In addition,
Anthony Davis could finally slide back over to the four spot, potentially enhancing his shooting from behind the arc.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps
June 30, 2024
Free agent center
Jonas Valanciunas agreed to a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards. The 2011 No. 5 overall pick has been a double-double-caliber producer since entering the league. However, as expected with any aging player, his statistical contributions have declined over the years. He finished the 2023-24 campaign by averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds. While Valanciunas should have some productive showings in 2024-25, it will be difficult for him to be a routine fantasy contributor, considering Washington has guys like Alex Sarr,
Richaun Holmes, and
Marvin Bagley III on the roster.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Adrian Wojnarowski
June 25, 2024
New Orleans Pelicans center
Jonas Valanciunas is expected to move on from Louisiana as a free agent this summer and has been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Valanciunas has been "often mentioned by NBA figures as a potential Lakers frontcourt addition." It was recently suggested that the Lakers are looking to pick up a center this offseason to give
Anthony Davis more minutes as a power forward. Valanciunas, who celebrated his 32nd birthday last month, is coming off a disappointing season. After averaging a double-double in five consecutive campaigns, the Lithuanian big man was limited to 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds in 23.5 minutes.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Jake Fischer
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