The ‘maximum’ Wizards will get Jonas Valanciunas in the trade

The The Washington Wizards may face a limited return in their efforts to trade the veteran center Jonas Valanciunasaccording to a report from The Athletic. Analysts Josh Robbins and David Aldridge suggest the Wizards unlikely to provide significant draft capital in exchange for a 32-year-old big man ahead of Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.

Valanciunas, currently in his 13th NBA season, has a three-year contract worth $30.2 million, with $9.9 million due through the 2024-25 season. His production this season includes averages of 11.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting an efficient 55.8% from the field. However, his three-point shooting dropped to 21.7%, a significant drop from previous seasons.

The Wizards face an uphill battle in increasing trade value for Jonas Valanciunas

The Wizards, who hold the NBA’s worst record at 6-32, are firmly in a rebuilding phase and are open to moving Valanciunas if the right deal comes together. The team prioritizes assets that would further their long-term goals, such as early draft picks. However, league sources believe the market for the veteran center could be limited, with rival teams likely to be the top suitors. These teams are expected to be cautious about giving up rotation depth or high value draft picks.

“If any incoming contract in the Valanciunas deal doesn’t threaten the long-term flexibility of the Wizards’ payroll, then more than one early second-round pick could do the trick,” the Athletic reported. “One league source, whose team is not currently involved with the Wizards in discussions about Valanciunas, believes two second-rounders will be the maximum Washington can get for him.”

This potential return highlights the challenges Washington is faced with leveraging Valanciunas’ value in the current market. Teams targeting the center would likely view him as depth to bolster playoff rotations rather than a cornerstone acquisition that warrants significant trade funds.

With their league-worst record, the Wizards are focused on accumulating assets to bolster their rebuilding efforts. However, finding a trade partner willing to offer more than a second-round pick could prove difficult. As the Feb. 6 deadline approaches, the Wizards will need to carefully weigh their options to maximize their return for Valanciunas.