Former Toronto Raptors fan fave Valanciunas has been traded again
Former Toronto Raptors centre and fan favourite Jonas Valanciunas is on the move once again.
The 32-year-old was part of a trade this morning that saw him moved from the Washington Wizards to the Sacramento Kings guard Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks.
The Washington Wizards are trading Jonas Valanciunas to the Sacramento Kings for Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2025
Valanciunas was in his first season with the Wizards after being acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason. Immediately after signing, he agreed to a three-year, $30 million extension. Through 49 games this season, he’s averaging 11.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
Valanciunas, who broke into the NBA with the Raptors in 2012-13, became a big piece of the organization up until he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018-19 season. That deal was a blockbuster for the Raptors, as they also moved C.J. Miles, Delon Wright, and a 2024 second-round pick in exchange for Marc Gasol, who played a big role in them winning the NBA championship later that year.
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“Through the good times or bad times, Toronto fans stood by me from day 1 [and] trusted me,” Valanciunas wrote after being traded by the Raptors. “Thank you! You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”
Today’s trade was one that was likely welcomed by Valanciunas, as the Wizards own an NBA-worst 8-41 record. He’ll now join the Kings, who sit eighth in the Western Conference with a record of 25-24.
This trade will also reunite Valanciunas with another former Raptor in DeMar DeRozan, who was acquired by the Kings in a sign-and-trade with the San Antonio Spurs this past offseason.
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