Jonas Valanciunas could emerge as potential Warriors trade target

The Golden State Warriors are still short on size in the middle of the court. The front office has spent the majority of the offseason courting a Lauri Markkane trade with the Utah Jazz. However, it would appear that both sides have reached a stalemate in negotiations. 

According to an NBA executive who spoke with Heavy on Sports Sean Deveney under the condition of anonymity, Jonas Valanciunas could emerge as a potential trade candidate for the Warriors if their pursuit of Markkanen doesn’t go in their favor. Valanciunas recently signed with the Washington Wizards, but could be made available around the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

“It is a really smart deal for (Valanciunas) because it got him paid at a time when there were just not that many spots available—it’s musical chairs and if you do not get one of the first slots now with the new rules, you’re screwed,” The executive said. “There’s not as much flexibility. But this gets you paid, and the team paying you can say, ‘Hey, we’ll get you to a contender when the time comes.’ … The Warriors, if the (Lauri) Markkanen thing does not work out.”

Valanciunas, 32, is a reliable presence in the middle of the floor. Last season, he averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 55.9% from the field and 30.8% from 3-point range. At 6-foot-11 he would instantly solve some of the Warriors’ size issues at the center position.

While Valanciunas wouldn’t be Golden State’s long-term solution and wouldn’t become the secondary scoring option Mike Dunleavy Jr. is searching for, he would provide a veteran presence and help anchor the defense. Whether that’s enough to entice the Warriors to the negotiating table will remain to be seen.