The New Orleans Pelicans have acquired a protected 2027 second-round pick from the Washington Wizards in exchange for center Jonas Valančiūnas as part of a sign-and-trade agreement between the two teams, it was announced today.
“In addition to being an extremely valuable member of our starting lineup in multiple playoff runs, Jonas distinguished himself as a consummate teammate and professional,” said Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin. “He and his family will be missed. We wish him nothing but success as he continues his career.”
Valančiūnas, 7-0, 265, appeared in 235 games (all starts) for New Orleans over the last three seasons and averaged 14.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 26.1 minutes per game. A native of Utena, Lithuania, Valančiūnas played in all 82 games for the Pelicans during the 2023-24 campaign, averaging 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 23.5 minutes per game.
Originally drafted by Toronto with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Valančiūnas has appeared in 856 career games (827 starts) for Toronto, Memphis and New Orleans, holding career averages of 13.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 25.7 minutes per game. The 12-year NBA veteran has appeared in 58 career playoff games (51 starts), averaging 13.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 26.3 minutes per game.
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