The Washington Wizards are early in a total rebuild but found ways to improve their roster. It started with taking Alex Sarr second overall in the draft. He was arguably the best prospect, and Washington selected Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George to increase their young talent. The Wizards traded Deni Avidja to Portland just before the draft but were not done remaking their roster.
They have been active in free agency searching for discounts. The NBA enacted new spending restrictions that some franchises are treating like a hard cap. It left organizations with cap space in a position to find discounts in free agency and able to take on salary for more draft capital via trade.
The Wizards took advantage by signing arguably the best free agent contract of the summer. Jonas Valanciunas has been a starter for the majority of his 12-NBA career, but still took less than the mid-level exception to come to Washington. It was a massive win for the Wizards and has multiple benefits.
Wizards signed Jonas Valanciunas to arguably the best contract in free agency
The 32-year-old big man is an elite rebounder and screen setter along with being a double-double machine. He played just 23.5 minutes per game last season and still averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 blocks. JV put up 17.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 2.6 dimes in 2022, which was the last time he played 30 minutes per night.
Valanciunas signed a three-year deal worth $30.2 million with the Wizards in free agency. He is the 31st highest-paid center by average annual value this season. There are only 30 teams in the league, so JV is paid like a reserve to fill a key role in Washington.
Jonas Valanciunas will mentor Alex Sarr
The 19-year-old rookie is a seven-footer but will be best served playing the four early in his career. He was a strong rim-protector for Perth but must improve his rebounding and screen-setting to play the majority of his minutes at the five in the NBA.
Washington added the perfect veteran to show him the ropes. Valanciunas is one of the league’s best in both areas, and the 32-year-old is no stranger to helping his teammates improve. The Wizards needed a veteran big man and got a starter for a bargain.
The Washington Wizards will not be in the race for the playoffs next season, but they will improve. Jonas Valanciunas will be productive, but few will notice. Regardless, it was the perfect signing for the franchise and arguably the best move of free agency.
The Wizards can trade Valanciunas when Sarr is ready to take over at the five and both players will be better for the experience playing together. Some will wonder why a rebuilding team signed a veteran center, but he will help maximize Sarr and the rest of their young talents. It is exactly what the rebuilding franchise needs.