The Washington Wizards agreed to terms with center Jonas Valanciunas on a three-year, $30 million deal, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Free agent center Jonas Valanciunas has agreed on a three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/0XnEyWotOw
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2024
The bruising big man averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game with the Pelicans last season. In addition to shooting an efficient 56% from the field, Valanciunas held his own defensively, bodying up to bigger centers such as Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis.
For a Wizards team that struggled mightily on the defensive glass last season, Will Dawkins and company hope Valanciunas will solves those issues.
Over the last three seasons, Valanciunas missed just 11 games, a true workhorse for New Orleans during that span.
Additionally, should the Wizards look to flip Valanciunas at the trade deadline, his cheap contract is easily movable.
With Washington viewing No. 2 pick Alex Sarr as more of a power forward, Valanciunas’ arrival eases that move, pairing Sarr with one of the league’s best veteran centers.
At just $10 million annually, this deal holds tremendous value, locking up one of the league’s most consistent centers for the next three years.
