There was significant buzz when ESPN’s NBA reporter Brian Windhorst hinted that Jonas Valanciunas might eventually join the Lakers. Despite not signing him during free agency, Windhorst suggested the Lakers might still acquire him this year.
Valanciunas recently signed a three-year, $30.3 million contract with the Wizards. The rebuilding Wizards are expected to trade him for assets, a common strategy in sports.
An NBA executive called the deal “brilliant” for both Valanciunas and the Wizards. They predicted that Valanciunas will be shopped around by January, with the Lakers likely interested again.
**Jonas Valanciunas as a Trade Asset**
However, acquiring Valanciunas would cost the Lakers one of their future tradeable picks (2029 or 2031). They had hoped to sign him using the midlevel exception, which required D’Angelo Russell and other minimum players to opt out of their contracts. Even LeBron James reducing his contract wasn’t enough to make room.
Valanciunas, who averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds last season with New Orleans, could attract interest from other teams, including the Knicks, Warriors, and Bucks.
**Trade Necessities for the Lakers**
The Lakers might need to trade their 2029 first-round pick along with a matching contract. Gabe Vincent or Jarred Vanderbilt could be included in the deal. Combining multiple contracts could also help the Lakers stay under the luxury tax.
If successful, this type of deal could become more common in the NBA, mimicking strategies seen in baseball where players sign with a bad team only to be traded to a contender later.
“It’s a smart deal for Valanciunas, ensuring he gets paid now and can join a contender later,” the executive said. “This could be a trend we see more often.”
