Wizards Are Looking To Move Jonas Valanciunas When He Becomes Eligible To Be Traded

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.

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in acquiring Valanciunas. The Lakers, under new head coach JJ Redick , have expressed a desire to add a bruising center to their roster. Brian Windhorst of ESPN highlighted Redick's comments about the need for a traditional center to complement Anthony Davis, suggesting that Valanciunas could be a target for the Lakers this season.

Windhorst also speculated that Valanciunas could become available from the Wizards midseason, potentially making him a viable option for the Lakers. Valanciunas ' addition could significantly benefit the Lakers by allowing Davis to focus more on his offensive game while providing a solid defensive presence.

Despite having two of the best players in the NBA, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers are not widely expected to be top contenders in the Western Conference this season. The addition of Valanciunas  could bolster their chances, providing much-needed size and allowing Davis to operate more freely offensively.

Valanciunas' ability to play a significant role on a competitive team was evident during his tenure with the Pelicans, even though they struggled against well-rounded teams in the West. His presence would enable Davis to conserve energy on defense, allowing LeBron to manage the game as the primary ball handler more effectively.

The Wizards ' potential trade of Jonas Valanciunas is seen as a move to focus on the future, while the Lakers view him as a crucial piece to enhance their competitiveness in the West. Valanciunas' proven track record and ability to complement the Lakers' star players make him an attractive target as they aim to defy expectations this season.

Related: Grade The Huge Mock Trade Between The Lakers And Clippers

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News . We really appreciate your support.