The bruising big man Jonas Valanciunas averaged 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game with the Pelicans last season. He shot an efficient 56% from the field and held his own defensively against bigger centers such as Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis.

For the Wizards, who struggled significantly on the defensive glass last season, general manager Will Dawkins and his team hope Valanciunas will address these issues. Over the last three seasons, Valanciunas has missed just 11 games, proving to be a reliable workhorse for New Orleans.

Moreover, if the Wizards decide to trade Valanciunas at the deadline, his affordable contract makes him an attractive and easily movable asset. With Washington viewing No. 2 pick Alex Sarr more as a power forward, Valanciunas’ arrival facilitates Sarr's transition by pairing him with one of the league’s best veteran centers.

Valanciunas’ deal, at just $10 million annually, offers tremendous value, securing one of the league’s most consistent centers for the next three years.