Jonas Valancuinas has signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards , according to Adrian Wojnarowski. The franchise wanted to add some veteran experience to their roster as they enter the next phase of their rebuild this season. Valanciunas was previously with the Pelicans.
The Wizards have entered the next phase of their rebuild, after drafting Alexandre Sarr with the second overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft . Their draft choice makes this signing more interesting, as Sarr is also listed as a center. Perhaps the Wizards feel that Sarr needs to play under Valanciunas for a year and learn the ropes.
Or, they could be of the opinion that Valanciunas will be more effective coming off the bench, and do not think he is valuable as a starter anymore. Considering the money they have committed to Valanciunas, the Wizards are more likely to start him, and possibly play Sarr as a power forward.
The Wizards have struggled throughout their history as a franchise. Sarr is the first high-profile draft pick since Bradley Beal, whom they picked third overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. Sarr has high potential and is expected to be a standout player in the league.
It will be interesting to see what other pieces the Wizards acquire in this free agency period to build around Sarr. Many presume the franchise will try and build around the front court of Sarr and Deni Avdija, whom they drafted eighth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
How Will Valanciunas Fare With The Wizards?
Valanciunas has proven that he can provide valuable scoring and size to any team. His stint with the Pelicans was a mixed bag. While Valanciunas played strong basketball for the Pelicans, the franchise wasn't able to put the pieces together to make a strong playoff run during his tenure there.
The Wizards can expect some strong performances from Valanciunas. Last season he played all 82 games for the Pelicans and averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. However, the Pelicans couldn't make it past the first round of the playoffs, getting swept by the Thunder.
The biggest concern for the Wizards will be Valanciunas' defensive weakness. Despite his size, he has never been a great defender. Wizards head coach Brian Keefe will have to figure out how to use his pieces around Valanciunas to ensure that the team doesn't suffer defensively.
The Wizards will prioritize the development of Alexandre Sarr this year, and perhaps Valanciunas will factor into the development plan for him. Once again, the fit between the two is questionable, and the Wizards must figure out how they want to use the Lithuanian big going forward.
Valanciunas will also be one of the leaders of the franchise, as the leading veteran presence in the locker room. His experience in the league will allow him to help set the tone and push forward the culture that the Wizards are looking to build in the coming years.
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