Jonas Valančiūnas is set to join the Sacramento Kings as they aim for a strong push towards the playoffs. The trade, reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, involves the Washington Wizards sending Valančiūnas to Sacramento in exchange for Sidy Cissoko and two second-round draft picks.

As detailed by ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Kings are utilizing a significant portion of their $12.8 million non-tax mid-level exception to acquire Valančiūnas's $9.9 million salary. The Kings will be sending a 2028 second-round pick from Denver (if it falls between picks 34 and 60) along with their own second-round pick in 2029 to the Wizards.

Throughout his career, Valančiūnas has averaged 11.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 49 games this season, primarily serving as a backup and mentor for rookie center Alexandre Sarr. While his rebounding numbers have dipped, remaining below the double-digit averages he maintained for four consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2023, he continues to be an effective contributor, boasting a field goal percentage of 54.7 percent, including 56.7 percent on two-point attempts during his thirteenth season in the NBA. Although the Wizards will be losing a key veteran, the acquired draft capital will assist them in their ongoing rebuild centered around young talents like Sarr and Kyshawn George. Valančiūnas is in the first year of a three-year, $30 million contract signed in a previous sign-and-trade deal with the New Orleans Pelicans prior to the 2024-25 season, which is guaranteed only through the current season with a non-guaranteed $10 million earmarked for the 2026-27 season. General manager Monte McNair has expressed a desire for the Kings to enhance their offensive rebounding in 2024, an area where the team has struggled early this season, ranking in the bottom half of the league. The addition of Valančiūnas is anticipated to bolster the Kings' rebounding and scoring depth as the franchise continues to develop into a contender following the trade of De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs.