Report: Wizards moving Jonas Valanciunas ahead of deadline could be ‘challenging’

Report: Wizards moving Jonas Valanciunas ahead of deadline could be ‘challenging’

You could argue that Jonas Valanciunas‘ three-year, $30 million deal with the Washington Wizards was arguably one of the most valuable contracts signed last offseason.

However, the expectation was for it to be moved not long after he become eligible (Dec. 15) to be traded, given the franchise is in a clear rebuild. Valanciunas, a big-body veteran who could help ease pressure off No. 2 pick Alex Sarr, has been exactly as advertised.

But the Wizards won’t exactly feel the need to trade the 6-foot-10 big man if the price isn’t right, according to a recent report from Josh Robbins and David Aldridge of The Athletic.

“League sources told The Athletic the Wizards will consider dealing the 32-year-old center before the trade deadline if the right deal comes along. But finding a trade that serves the team’s long-term goals will be challenging,” the report read. “Washington’s front office would want a draft pick (or picks) that would appreciably move the team’s rebuild forward — not, for instance, late second-round picks. But it will be hard to find a suitor, at least before the usual warm-up to trade talks in the final week or so before the deadline, who’d be willing to go much higher.

“Any group of teams that would have interest in Valančiūnas almost certainly would be limited to those in win-now mode. Because those suitors would be attempting to add depth rather than subtract quality depth, it would be highly unlikely any trade partner would be willing to give up a top-seven rotation player.”

Robbins and Aldridge noted that if another team wanted to offer a player on a bloated contract, it would seek a first-round pick in return. It’s clear they don’t want to spoil any long-term flexibility the organization could have–which likely would be used to inherit more bad contracts while obtaining assets–if they don’t get a sweetener along with it in any Valanciunas trade.

Report: Brooklyn Nets don’t feel pressure to trade Cam Johnson

They shouldn’t feel pressure to trade him, although the 32-year-old isn’t getting any younger. He still plays his role–screen, rebound and be a big body on the interior, while occasionally popping out for a 3–at a respectable level. He averages 11.6 points and 8.1 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game; on a per-75-possession basis, those averages increase to 20.7 points and 14.4 rebound (4.4 offensive), which is excellent production.

He’s playing some of the most effective basketball of his career while in a limited role. Valanciunas will have callers, but for who and what’s the price? That’s one that many will be asking for the next three weeks–one that will be consequential for Washington’s future.

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