Jonas Valanciunas joined the Washington Wizards this offseason on a three-year, $30 million contract. The move was part of a sign-and-trade deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, finalized in early July. Valanciunas brings veteran experience and solid performance, having averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season. However, his fit with the Wizards, who are in the midst of a rebuild, has been questioned. With young talents like Alex Sarr on the roster, rumors suggest the Wizards might look to trade Valanciunas as soon as he becomes eligible in December. Here’s a look at five trade offers the Wizards could potentially receive for their newly acquired big man.
1. The Lakers Could Make A Move Soon
Lakers receive: Jonas Valanciunas
Wizards receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino
The Los Angeles Lakers have been surprisingly quiet during this offseason, not making any significant moves in free agency. However, they have had their eyes on Jonas Valanciunas for a while now, having been interested in acquiring him over the summer. Adding Valanciunas would be quite a realistic scenario for the Lakers. As a strong interior presence, Valanciunas would significantly bolster their rebounding and low-post scoring. Last season with the New Orleans Pelicans, he averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Valanciunas’ experience and reliability would also provide a much-needed stabilizing force at the center position, allowing Anthony Davis to spend more time at his preferred power forward spot. This move would also add depth to the Lakers’ frontcourt, giving them a solid veteran to anchor their interior defense alongside Davis and LeBron James. His durability, having played all 82 games last season, would ensure that the Lakers have a consistent presence in the paint throughout the long NBA season.
On the flip side, the Wizards would benefit greatly from this trade in terms of their rebuilding process. By acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Wizards would get a young and promising point guard who could develop into a starting guard. Hood-Schifino, a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance with his playmaking and scoring abilities. His potential makes him an exciting addition to Washington’s young core, where he can grow alongside other developing talents like Alex Sarr.
Additionally, the Wizards would receive Jarred Vanderbilt, a versatile defender known for his high energy and ability to guard multiple positions. Vanderbilt’s defensive prowess and rebounding skills make him a valuable asset for any team, but especially for one in the midst of a rebuild. His versatility allows him to fit into various lineups, providing the Wizards with flexibility and depth. Vanderbilt’s youth and potential align perfectly with Washington’s long-term goals, making him an ideal piece for their future plans.
2. The Bucks Would Become Even Better
Bucks receive: Jonas Valanciunas
Wizards receive: Bobby Portis, 2031 second-round pick
The Milwaukee Bucks have had a tough offseason, being hard-capped at the second apron, which has severely limited their ability to make significant moves after their disappointing first-round exit in the playoffs. With the dynamic duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are firmly in win-now mode. However, there’s growing concern about Brook Lopez’s ability to maintain his high level of play as he ages. This is where Jonas Valanciunas could come in as a valuable addition.
Valanciunas would provide the Bucks with a reliable offensive presence in the paint. His low-post scoring and rebounding would perfectly complement Giannis’ versatility and Lillard’s perimeter game. Valanciunas’ toughness and experience would add depth to Milwaukee’s frontcourt, providing them with a solid backup plan if Lopez’s performance declines.
For the Wizards, acquiring Bobby Portis would be a strategic move. Portis is coming off some of the best seasons of his career, bringing energy, scoring, and versatility to the table. His value is currently at its peak, which means the Wizards could either keep him as a part of their rotation or look to flip him to another contender for additional assets.
In addition to Portis, the Wizards would receive a 2031 second-round pick from the Bucks. While this pick is a long-term asset, it holds value for a rebuilding team like Washington. Accumulating draft picks is crucial for their future, and this pick could be used to select a promising young talent or as a trade asset in future deals.
This trade scenario benefits both teams. The Bucks strengthen their roster for a deeper playoff run, addressing their immediate needs, while the Wizards gain valuable assets that align with their long-term rebuilding strategy.
3. A Great Landing Spot In Miami
Heat receive: Jonas Valanciunas
Wizards receive: Highwood Highsmith, Thomas Bryant, Josh Richardson, 2028 first-round pick
The Miami Heat have been relatively quiet in free agency, failing to secure a high-caliber player to bolster their roster. Adding Jonas Valanciunas to their frontcourt alongside Bam Adebayo could be a game-changer. This move would significantly enhance their offensive capabilities, providing them with a strong inside presence to complement their dynamic perimeter players. With Jimmy Butler entering a contract year, the Heat need to make a strong push to ensure they remain competitive and avoid the risk of losing their star for nothing next summer.
Valanciunas’ addition would not only strengthen their rebounding and interior scoring but also add veteran leadership to a team that thrives on toughness and experience. Pairing Valanciunas with Adebayo would give the Heat a formidable frontcourt duo, capable of dominating both ends of the floor. This would be particularly valuable in the highly competitive Eastern Conference, where having depth and versatility in the frontcourt is crucial for playoff success.
For the Wizards, this trade would yield a mix of rotation players and a valuable future asset. Highwood Highsmith, Thomas Bryant, and Josh Richardson would provide depth and flexibility to Washington’s lineup. Highsmith offers defensive versatility, Bryant adds a solid interior presence, and Richardson brings perimeter defense and shooting. While these players could contribute immediately, the real prize for the Wizards would be the 2028 first-round pick. In a rebuilding phase, accumulating future picks is essential, and this pick could become a cornerstone asset for Washington’s long-term strategy.
4. The Warriors Could Make A Lot Of Sense
Warriors receive: Jonas Valanciunas
Wizards receive: Kevon Looney, Lindy Waters III, 2025 first-round pick
The Golden State Warriors have made some notable moves this offseason, including replacing Klay Thompson with Buddy Hield and adding players like De’Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson. After missing the playoffs in 2024, it’s evident that their weakest position is at center. Bringing in Jonas Valanciunas could be the solution to solidify their frontcourt.
Valanciunas would provide the Warriors with a strong, reliable center who excels in rebounding and scoring in the paint. His presence would create a more balanced and potent lineup, featuring Stephen Curry, Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, and Valanciunas as starters. Offensively, this combination would be formidable, with Curry’s shooting, Hield’s scoring, Kuminga’s athleticism, Green’s playmaking, and Valanciunas’ inside game.
Defensively, Valanciunas’ size and experience would help the Warriors shore up their interior defense, an area that has been a concern. His ability to control the boards and protect the rim would complement Green’s defensive versatility. The Warriors’ depth would also be strengthened, with Melton, Brandin Podziemski, Andrew Wiggins, and other key players coming off the bench.
The Warriors had previously eyed Lauri Markkanen, but he signed an extension with the Utah Jazz, making him unavailable. Valanciunas, as a result, becomes a practical and affordable alternative to enhance their roster.
For the Wizards, this trade would bring valuable assets. Kevon Looney, a solid and dependable center, would be part of the deal, providing the Wizards with a reliable option in the paint. Looney’s championship experience and work ethic would be beneficial for Washington’s young core. Additionally, Lindy Waters III adds shooting depth, and the 2025 first-round pick gives the Wizards another future asset to build their team around.
5. Coming Back To The Grizzlies
Grizzlies receive: Jonas Valanciunas
Wizards receive: Brandon Clarke, Jake LaRavia, 2025 first-round pick
The Memphis Grizzlies are familiar with Jonas Valanciunas, having had him on their roster a few seasons ago before trading him for Steven Adams. Bringing Valanciunas back to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt could be a smart move. With Zach Edey not yet ready for a starting role and limited potential, Valanciunas offers a reliable and experienced option. The Grizzlies missed the playoffs last season largely due to injuries to key players, but with Ja Morant, Marcus Smart, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Valanciunas, they could form a formidable starting lineup capable of making a deep playoff run.
Valanciunas would provide the Grizzlies with a strong interior presence, both offensively and defensively. His ability to score in the paint, rebound, and play solid defense would complement Jackson Jr.’s game perfectly. This duo could dominate the boards and protect the rim, making the Grizzlies a tough team to beat inside.
For the Wizards, this trade offers a mix of immediate and future assets. Brandon Clarke is a versatile forward who, despite coming off an injury, has shown significant promise and could draw interest from other contenders. His return to health could make him a valuable trade chip or a key piece in Washington’s rotation. Jake LaRavia, a young player with potential, adds depth to the Wizards’ roster and could develop into a solid contributor.
Additionally, the 2025 first-round pick provides the Wizards with another valuable asset for their rebuilding efforts. This pick could be used to select a future star or packaged in a trade to acquire more immediate help.
