The Phoenix Suns are reportedly in talks to acquire Jonas Valanciunas from the Washington Wizards in a trade that would send Jusuf Nurkic and a first-round pick to the nation’s capital. According to Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com, discussions surrounding the deal have been gaining momentum as the Suns look to bolster their roster.
Valanciunas, the 32-year-old Lithuanian center, has been a consistent presence for the Wizards off the bench this season. Averaging 11.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in just 20 minutes per game, Valanciunas has maintained strong production despite a reduced role. In the first year of a three-year, $30 million deal, the veteran big man brings significant experience and depth to Washington’s frontcourt.
On the other hand, Nurkic, who joined the Suns last season, has had a solid, if unspectacular, campaign. The 30-year-old Bosnian is averaging 8.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 23.7 minutes per game. Despite his contributions, Phoenix has struggled with consistency, sitting in 9th place in the Western Conference with a 25-24 record.
Washington, currently sitting at the bottom of the NBA standings with a 8-41 record, has been in full rebuild mode for some time. The Wizards are actively looking to move veterans like Valanciunas to bring in assets that could better serve the team’s future.
For the Suns, this potential move could be a way to shake things up and improve their roster heading into the second half of the season.
