The Washington Wizards had been a younger crew coming into the season, however now they honestly embody the “Wiz Children” nickname. Hours after buying and selling Kyle Kuzma to the Milwaukee Bucks for a bundle together with 20-year-old guard AJ Johnson, they dealt Jonas Valanciunas to the Sacramento Kings for a return together with fellow 20-year-old guard Sidy Cissoko.
The total particulars are under, through NBA.com.
Wizards obtain:
- Sidy Cissoko
- 2028 second-round decide
- 2029 second-round decide
Kings obtain:
Jonas Valanciunas
In contrast to Kuzma, Valanciunas did not spend a lot time in Washington earlier than getting shipped out. The Wizards acquired the 32-year-old for a 2027 second-rounder in a sign-and-trade with the New Orleans Pelicans on July 6, however he was by no means a long-term match. Somewhat, he was a brief function mannequin for No. 2 total decide Alex Sarr earlier than Washington probably flipped him on the deadline.
Valanciunas served because the rookie’s backup, averaging 11.5 factors on 54.7% taking pictures with 8.2 rebounds and a pair of.2 assists throughout 20 minutes per sport earlier than shifting to a superior Kings crew. The Lithuanian worldwide’s three-year, $30 million contract is now off of the Wizards’ books, in order that they basically turned the ’27 decide into Cissoko and two later picks. Rostering Valanciunas for just a few months was a bonus.
Whereas the commerce is not stunning, Washington’s doable plan with Sissoko is.
Wizards commerce grade: B-
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At first look, including one other younger French worldwide on a crew with Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly looks as if a enjoyable storyline for the fanbase. Bullets Endlessly’s Matt Modderno even welcomed the former San Antonio Spur with a France-themed submit, through social media.
Nevertheless, Washington will waive Sissoko for monetary flexibility, through USA At the moment’s Jeff Zillgitt. With that being stated, the 2023 No. 44 total decide is making solely $1.8 million this season and $2.2 million subsequent 12 months earlier than hitting restricted free company, and the Wizards are $12.3 million beneath the primary apron. What provides?
The Wizards could wish to use Sissoko’s roster spot to advertise one among their two-way gamers to a totally assured deal, akin to Justin Champagnie or Jared Butler. This is able to make sense, as Champagnie is averaging 7.7 factors on 51.1% taking pictures with 4.6 rebounds throughout 18.8 minutes per sport this season, whereas Butler has 6.9 factors on 48.3% taking pictures with 2.6 assists throughout 11.3 minutes. Conversely, Sissoko has simply 1.3 factors on 50% taking pictures throughout 3.2 minutes.
Washington might then carry the 6-foot-6, 200-pounder again on both a two-way or normal G League deal if he clears waivers. Sissoko averaged 16.3 factors on 48.9% taking pictures with 4.1 rebounds and three.2 assists throughout 27.6 minutes per sport for the Austin Spurs (San Antonio Spurs’ affiliate) this season, so he might shine on the Capital Metropolis Go-Go (Wizards’ affiliate) whereas he develops.
This grade turns into a “C,” although, if the Wizards minimize Sissoko and by no means carry him again. In that case, they’d’ve merely given Sacramento monetary aid after it acquired him within the De’Aron Fox deal simply three days prior.
Washington does now personal a number of second-rounders in annually from 2026-30, through the crew’s press launch. That provides it loads of capital to both commerce or decide gamers with, nevertheless it’s additionally good to maintain younger expertise that is already within the league.
If Sissoko stays, the rebuilding Wizards can have six gamers 21 years previous or youthful: him, Johnson, Sarr, Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George. If one or two of them ultimately change into All-Stars whereas the others settle as function gamers, the crew can be a perennial contender.