Valanciunas Joins Kings: A New Chapter with Sabonis in Sacramento

As reported by Shams Charania, Jonas Valanciunas is set to depart from the Washington Wizards and will join Domantas Sabonis on the Sacramento Kings.

In exchange, French player Sidy Cissoko, who has recently transitioned to California from the San Antonio Spurs, is headed to Washington, accompanied by two second-round picks.

According to ESPN, Sacramento plans to utilize a significant portion of its $12.8 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception to take on Valanciunas’ $9.9 million salary.

Additionally, the Kings are sending a second-round pick from the Denver Nuggets for 2028 (conditional upon being No. 34-60) along with their own second-round pick in 2029 to Washington. The Denver pick was obtained from San Antonio as part of the trade involving De’Aaron Fox.

Consequently, Valanciunas will join forces in the NBA with his fellow Lithuanian national teammate, Sabonis.

This 32-year-old center is in his inaugural season with Washington after signing a three-year, $30 million contract with the Wizards last June.

Throughout this season, Valanciunas has averaged 11.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game over 49 appearances.