WASHINGTON — Before Jonas Valanciunas signed a three-year, $32 million contract with the Wizards (a free-agent deal that almost immediately felt like a future trade item), the bruising center talked a little about the Knicks' interest. I heard it.
“I don't know how serious it was. My agent took care of it,” Valanciunas told the Post. “I heard something over there. But there's a lot of X's and O's. Salary cap issues, this and that. Strategic stuff. Every team is doing what they think is best for them.”
Of course, the Knicks went the same route as Karl-Anthony Towns, planning to land him a huge contract while keeping the salary cap necessarily below the second luxury tax apron.
Two months into the season, the Knicks' strategy is paying off and Towns is on his way to becoming an All-Star, but there are still concerns about depth at center.
Mitchell Robinson remains sidelined for reasons the Knicks haven't fully explained.
Thibodeau's latest update said he underwent what was described as a minor surgery in May, but he still hasn't been cleared for a sprint nearly eight months later.
Robinson, who traveled to Washington, D.C., with the Knicks, has not spoken to the media since his surgery.
Precious Achiuwa, a natural power forward, entered Monday's game against the Wizards as the only frontcourt rotational reserve in the past four games.
This has led to speculation that the Knicks, who are operating with limited assets and flexibility after a successful offseason, will acquire a center before the February trade deadline.
And perhaps related, Valanciunas, 32, a former client of current Knicks president and former agent Leon Rose, is recognized league-wide as one of the players likely to become available. It means that there is.
Knicks this season. NBAE (via Getty Images)
It is a product of the environment.
Valanciunas is a veteran on a rebuilding team heading into the draft lottery.
He supports 19-year-old rookie Alex Sarr, who is allowed to make mistakes and play in order to develop.
Valanciunas' deal allows him to get his assets back.
Other potential candidates to rebuild the team include Nick Richards (Hornets), Robert Williams III (Blazers), Kelly Olynyk (Raptors), and Daniel Theis (Pelicans).
New tax apron regulations make the Wizards one of the few teams that can get more salary back in a trade (the Knicks can't).
So while trading Robinson's $14.3 million salary for Valanciunas' $9.9 million salary would work in theory, the Knicks would almost certainly have to include draft compensation.
They have multiple future second-round picks, but can only trade one first-round pick.
Coincidentally, it originally belonged to Wizards.
“We don't know what will happen in the future, maybe tomorrow, maybe today,” Valanciunas said of the possibility of punishment. “If it's going to happen, it's going to happen. It's a young team that's still putting the team together. Anything can happen.”
In the meantime, Valanciunas continues to work professionally.
He has played in every game this season and said he understood the contract when signing. “They wanted me and showed me some trust, so I'm happy here.”
“We have to be patient,” he added. “But we get better, we practice, and the younger players push me to get better too. I feel like I need to practice and get better and hone my skills. So I'm going to take advantage of that. I am.”
The bearded Lithuanian has established himself as one of the NBA's top rebounders, making 58 playoff appearances over 13 NBA seasons.
Defensively, he has a strong presence in the paint, but lacks the quickness or mobility to effectively defend against pick-and-rolls.
Offensively, he has developed a decent 3-point shot and is working on his playmaking by “handling the ball up top, setting screens, and shooting from the 3-point line as well as from the shot pop.” he said. Middies. ”
Still, he understands his income and reputation.
He's the bull under the basket.
“Well, that's my job,” Valanciunas smiled. “I'm just playing my game and doing what I'm supposed to do. And if people see that, that's great.”
