The Washington Wizards have traded center Jonas Valanciunas to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Sidy Cissoko and two future second-round picks. This trade, announced Wednesday, comes just before the NBA’s trade deadline. To complete the transaction, Sacramento used most of its $12.8 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception to take on Valanciunas’ $9.9 million salary. The Wizards will receive a 2028 second-round pick from Denver (if the pick falls between Nos. 34-60) and Sacramento’s 2029 second-round pick.
Valanciunas’ Move and Role Change
Jonas Valanciunas, 32, was in his first season with the Wizards after signing a three-year, $30 million contract in June. Despite being a regular starter for most of his 13-year NBA career, Valanciunas has been coming off the bench for Washington behind rookie Alex Sarr this season. Known for his scoring ability near the basket and occasional 3-point shooting, Valanciunas will bring added depth and experience to the Kings’ frontcourt as they look to bolster their playoff aspirations.
This trade also reunites Valanciunas with DeMar DeRozan, his former teammate in Toronto, and creates an all-Lithuanian frontcourt in Sacramento with Valanciunas and Domantas Sabonis. The two big men, both seasoned players, have a combined total of 376 career double-doubles, ranking them tied for 12th among active NBA players.
Their presence alongside one another gives the Kings a powerful and experienced duo, particularly in the areas of rebounding, scoring in the paint, and interior defense.
Washington Wizards’ Rebuilding Efforts
The Wizards are focused on rebuilding their roster, and this trade marks another step in that direction. Earlier on Wednesday, Washington completed a deal to acquire Khris Middleton from the Milwaukee Bucks, sending Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee. The addition of Middleton, a seasoned scorer and playmaker, provides the Wizards with further veteran leadership.
Along with the assets from the Kings—Cissoko and the two second-round picks—the Wizards are positioning themselves for future success and looking to build around young talent and draft assets.
The Kings have been busy making moves ahead of the trade deadline to strengthen their roster. Along with the acquisition of Valanciunas, Sacramento previously acquired Zach LaVine in a three-team trade that sent De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs.
In that deal, Cissoko was also included, and now he moves to Washington in this latest trade. With these moves, the Kings are not only adding experience and talent to their roster but are signaling their intent to be competitive in the upcoming playoffs.