The Washington Wizards are expected to explore trading Jonas Valanciunas in December when he becomes eligible for a trade, according to NBA insider Sean Deveney.
Valanciunas signed a three-year, $30 million deal with the Wizards, a team not expected to be competitive this season. With an eye on the future and potentially acquiring next year’s consensus first-overall pick, Cooper Flagg, the Wizards may prioritize accumulating draft capital.
Last season, Valanciunas showcased his durability and effectiveness, playing all 82 games for the New Orleans Pelicans. He averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, with a significant presence in the interior, including 0.8 blocks per game. The Wizards’ plan to move Valanciunas is seen as a strategic move to build for the future.