The New York Knicks could explore a trade for Washington Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas as the Feb. 6 deadline approaches, according to ESPN’s Chris Herring. The Knicks, sitting at 25-14, could use a veteran backup center to address their frontcourt depth and complement Karl-Anthony Towns, sparking new NBA trade rumors.
Valančiūnas, averaging 11.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this season, is seen as a reliable big man who can provide size, rebounding, and scoring off the bench. Mitchell Robinson’s injury history and the lack of a true 7-footer behind Towns have heightened New York’s interest in acquiring the Lithuanian center.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Interest Fades on NBA Trade Market
The Los Angeles Lakers were heavily linked to Valančiūnas before the season, but their interest appears to have cooled. ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel reported that while the Wizards have reduced their asking price, the Lakers remain hesitant to part with their remaining second-round picks for Valančiūnas.
“League sources say the Washington Wizards have somewhat relented on their price for Jonas Valančiūnas, but the Lakers still aren’t thrilled with the idea of using their remaining second-round picks on him and the remaining years left on his contract,” Siegel said.
Los Angeles has been searching for a center to pair with Anthony Davis and LeBron James, and while Valančiūnas offers elite rebounding and improved offensive versatility, his fit with the team remains uncertain.
The Lakers recently traded D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, which may have been the package initially earmarked for Valančiūnas. With Jarred Vanderbilt returning from injury and Davis playing significant minutes at center, the Lakers seem content to stand pat rather than make another move.
Washington Wizards’ Rebuilding Focus
Sitting at an NBA-worst 6-30, Washington is focused on rebuilding and has made Valančiūnas available for trade. General manager Will Dawkins is reportedly seeking draft capital in return, but the Wizards’ preference for multiple second-round picks has been a sticking point in negotiations with the Lakers.
Valančiūnas acknowledged the challenges of this difficult season during a recent interview with BasketNews, saying, “It’s very hard to lose. It hurts a lot… I want it to hurt. For it to be a motivation.”
Valančiūnas has remained a professional despite his frustrations, averaging solid numbers while providing veteran leadership on a struggling Wizards team. Regardless, he’s remained a fixture in NBA trade rumors due to the timeline of the Wizards not aligning with him being able to compete at the highest level.
New York Knicks’ Opportunity
Adding Valančiūnas would address a critical need for size and reliability in the frontcourt for the Knicks. With wing minutes secured by Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart, the focus shifts to fortifying their center rotation as they aim for a deep playoff run.
Whether Valančiūnas ends up in New York, Los Angeles, or elsewhere, his rebounding and interior presence make him one of the more intriguing trade targets in the market. As the deadline approaches, the Knicks and other teams must decide if his skills and experience outweigh the Wizards’ asking price.
