New full details of Washington Wizards trade for Jonas Valanciunas revealed

On the first night of free agency, it was reported that the Washington Wizards would be signing big man Jonas Valanciunas to a contract, but new details reveal that it will actually be a sign-and-trade.

Washington will be inking Valanciunas to a three-year, $30 million deal as part of a sign-and-trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, and they will send back a second-round pick.

In the trade, the Wizards will send a 2027 second-round pick to the Pelicans.

Wizards signing Jonas Valanciunas in free agency will now be sign-and-trade with Pelicans

Another detail of the trade was reported by Josh Robbins of The Athletic. The Wizards will be taking in Valanciunas’ new contract into the Monte Morris TPE.

The Wizards traded Morris to the Detroit Pistons on July 6 of 2023, getting back two second-round picks and creating the TPE that they will now take Valanciunas into.

As the Wizards look to improve their roster around their new young core, they will have to ride the line of developing their youngsters while also providing them with enough support to thrive.

Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George will hope to lead the Warriors into the future, and adding Valanciunas will help Sarr, in particular.

Valanciunas’ big body will give the Wizards a guy to play next to Sarr in their frontcourt, as the No. 2 overall pick has been rumored to want to play some power forward minutes.

At the very least, having Valanciunas on the roster will mean Sarr doesn’t have to guard all of the giant big men, such as Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, every night.

Plus, the rookie will be able to play off the ball, utilizing his giant wingspan and elite defensive skills to play a free-roaming, shot-blocking style of defense with Valanciunas at the five.

On top of that, Valanciunas’ veteran presence will give Sarr a nice mentor to learn from during his first few years in the NBA.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans decided to part ways with Valanciunas, and while they managed to get a second-round pick in return, it was clear that they were prepared to lose him for nothing.

Now, the Wizards will reap the rewards of having a big-bodied, veteran center on the roster to help their young core.