In the Wizards’ first free agency signing of 2024, the team agreed to a deal with big man Jonas Valanciunas. The deal is for three years and $30 million. Let’s break down what it means for Valanciunas, and what it means for the Wizards.
NBA Free Agency: Wizards Surprisingly Sign Center
The Wizards’ Perspective
This was a great signing from the perspective of the Wizards. The Wizards’ depth at center and power forward was particularly atrocious last year. Additionally, last season the Wizards’ had one of the worst paint defenses of any team in the entire NBA. With Valanciunas, that problem is fixed. The 32-year-old 6’11”, big man is an intimidating presence in the paint. However, his skill set isn’t limited to the area around the basket. While he doesn’t do it often, Valanciunas can shoot a little bit, providing some floor spacing.
Valanciunas is also a great pickup for the Wizards due to his age. At 32, he’s spent 13 years in the NBA, undoubtedly a veteran. The Wizards just drafted big man Alex Sarr with the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sarr has lots of potential, but he needs guidance. He needs to learn what it takes to play in the NBA and improve his game. Before the Valanciunas signing, Sarr was poised to be the only real big man on the Wizards. However, with Valanciunas, Sarr has a mentor. Plus, Sarr won’t have to play 35-40 minutes a game; he’ll get to have a reasonable minutes load for a rookie.
Valanciunas’ Perspective
For Valanciunas, this is a great move. He’s getting paid $10 million per year, a slight pay cut from New Orleans (but not by much). He’ll have the chance to play a good amount of minutes and mentor not just Sarr, but a young team in general. The Wizards have three incoming first-round draft picks, as well as Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma (if he’s not traded), Marvin Bagley, Johnny Davis, Bilal Coulibaly, and Corey Kispert. The only veteran the team had last year was Landry Shamet, so it’ll be good for the young guys to get guidance.
Additionally, the Wizards were a far better fit for Valanciunas than any of his other suitors, such as the Lakers. According to Jake Fischer, the Wizards, and the Lakers were Valanciunas’ top two free-agency suitors. Los Angeles is a hotbed of uncertainty, with their roster un-solidified, wild change coming, and a LeBron James media circus. Everyone on the Lakers is subject to immense scrutiny and often has to change their roles to play alongside James and Anthony Davis.
