In a strategic move ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the Sacramento Kings have acquired center Jonas Valanciunas from the Washington Wizards. The Kings utilized most of their $12.8 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception to absorb Valanciunas' $9.9 million salary. In return, the Wizards receive promising player Sidy Cissoko and two second-round draft picks from Sacramento. This deal not only strengthens the Kings' roster but also reunites Valanciunas with DeMar DeRozan, his former Toronto Raptors teammate.
The addition of Valanciunas, 32, fortifies the Kings' frontcourt, creating a formidable all-Lithuanian tandem with Domantas Sabonis. Both players share a history as former Olympic teammates and have each accumulated 376 career double-doubles, ranking them tied for 12th among active players. Valanciunas, known for his touch around the rim and occasional three-point shooting ability, brings valuable experience and versatility to the team.
Valanciunas was in his first season with the Wizards after signing a three-year, $30 million contract in June. However, he had been coming off the bench this season, an unusual role for a player who has started the majority of his 13-year NBA career. The trade marks a significant shift in his career trajectory, aligning him with a team keen on making its mark in the league.
The Kings have been active in reshaping their roster, having previously acquired Zach LaVine in a three-team deal that sent De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs. The second-round picks sent to Washington include a 2028 Denver Nuggets pick (conditional on Alex Sarr's NBA status) and Sacramento's own 2029 second-rounder. The Denver pick was part of the assets obtained from San Antonio in the aforementioned Fox trade.
Meanwhile, the Wizards have been equally busy, orchestrating another trade earlier Wednesday that brought Khris Middleton from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Kyle Kuzma. These moves underscore Washington's efforts to revamp their lineup and build for the future.
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