A few days before the NBA free agent market opened, the Los Angeles Lakers were rumored to sign former New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas to partner James and Davis. And James also posted a dynamic saying that the Wizards foiled the Lakers' plan a few hours after the opening of free agent city.
The Wizards have agreed to sign Valanciunas to a three-year, $30 million contract. Valanciunas, 32, is a former fifth overall pick and has been the Pelicans' starting center for the past three seasons. Previously, he spent three seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors.
Now Valanciunas is joining his fourth NBA team, where he will serve as center for the rebuilding Young Wizards under head coach Brian Keefe. He will be partnered by rookie French player Alex Saar. The Wizards may still be trying to find the best combination in the backcourt, and now it looks like their frontcourt has been well cared for over the next three years. Now they just need to develop young players and look for other influential players who can help the team rebuild. A reasonable contract with Valanciunas is a nice addition.