Wizards signed the biggest bargain of the offseason

The Washington Wizards are in full rebuild mode. They have a few veterans at the top of their cap sheet, but most will be on the trade block before the Feb. 6 deadline. Washington hopes to help number two overall pick Alex Sarr become a star as they build a sustainable contender through the draft. It will be a slow process, but the Wizards are up for the challenge.

Rebuilding does not mean eliminating all veterans from a roster. Having the experience and necessary skills helps young talent develop. Getting a big man capable of setting screens can assist a young guard’s downhill scoring and playmaking. Finding a shooter to space the floor can help several players find their place on offense. Retooling is about helping young talent blossom and veterans aid that process.

The Wizards were active this summer, which allowed them to pull off the biggest non-minimum bargain signing in free agency. They stumbled into a starting center that will help Sarr, Bub Carrington, Bilal Coulibaly, and Kyshawn George as they look to grow their games.

Jonas Valanciunas signing with the Wizards was the biggest bargain of the offseason

Valanciunas has been a starting center for the majority of his 12-year NBA career. The 6’11 big man is known for his scoring and rebounding. JV will give Washington’s young talent a consistent finisher and someone capable of grabbing double-digit rebounds every night. Those extra buckets and possessions should help their young talent, and it came with a fantastic contract.

Valanciunas signed a three-year deal worth $30.3 million in total. He is set to make less than seven percent of the salary cap each year, which is an insane bargain for a 32-year-old starter.

JV was viewed by many as the third-best center available in free agency. Nicolas Claxton and Isaiah Hartenstein both got $25-plus million per year. Valanciunas is making less than half of that figure. His defense can be problematic, but the Wizards got a strong offensive weapon at a bargain rate.

JV suffered from many teams already having their center position figured out. The market was limited, but it was a massive win for the rebuilding Wizards. Valanciunas will have a gigantic impact on their young roster and gives Alex Sarr a veteran role model. JV’s passing has improved in recent years, and he could help the rookie round out his offensive game.

This was a fantastic deal from every angle. Valanciunas can be a mentor and leader for the franchise. If they decide to move on and give more minutes to young players, JV should have plenty of trade value on a bargain contract. Any team looking for a big man will call before the deadline, and it figures to be a position of power for Washington.

The Washington Wizards’ front office is building something special. It is still in the early stages, but they are already proving wise and innovative. The franchise will keep adding talent and finding ways to upgrade until they return to contention. It will be a multiple-year process, but better days are certainly ahead in the nation’s capital.