Jonas Valanciunas has definitely made a name for himself in the NBA. From the time he started with the Toronto Raptors to his present stint with the Washington Wizards, this Lithuanian big man has been constantly putting up decent numbers. While being linked to the biggest teams in 2025, amid his present 3-year deal, fans logically wonder how much he is earning. So, let’s go through the details.
What is Jonas Valanciunas’ contract with the Washington Wizards?
Jonas Valanciunas is not just another big man but a worthy player. His present contract, signed in 2024, is for three years and is worth $30.29 million. The scheme goes as follows: the first two years are fully guaranteed. This means that the Wizards have to pay him a total of $20.3 million. In the 2024-2025 season, he’ll be raking in a sweet paycheck of $9.9 million. That’s quite a sum!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The third year of the deal, 2026-27, is a bit more flexible. It’ll only become guaranteed if the Wizards keep him past June 29, 2026. Which means they have room to decide what to do with him. If they like what they see, he’ll get the full contract. If not, they can part ways without too much damage.
The Wizards got Valanciunas through a sign-and-trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. They sent a protected second-round pick in return. It was all part of Washington’s plan to bring in a veteran to help guide their rebuild. If we look at the whole league, one of the important aspects is the contract of players. Especially the thematic balance. As a matter of fact, the contract of Jonas Valanciunas is one of the best demonstrations of how one team is solving issues related to talent, flexibility, and a cap-heavy world.
How Much Has Jonas Valanciunas Made in His NBA Career?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The big guy didn’t only play well this season. He’s also proved to be a reliable contributor during his whole career. Since his selection as the fifth overall pick in the 2011 Draft by the Raptors, he has gotten a hefty paycheck, recognizing his true value. In total, he’s been paid $136.7 million in just salaries to date. It’s a justified amount of money for someone who’s recognized as one of the most reliable centers in the league.
Everything started 10+ years ago. After his rookie 4-year deal worth $15.2 million, he signed a 4-year, $64 million extension with the Raptors. It was a huge leap that turned him from a supporting player into a key player. This set them up to be the strongest team in the league. In 2019, he moved to the Memphis Grizzlies on a 3-year, $45 million deal, as a free agent. Followed by, in 2021, he added 2 more years in New Orleans, earning $30 million.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In what feels like the blink of an eye, with his new three-year contract with the Wizards, he’s going to earn another $30.3 million. Pretty good, huh? For so long, this big man has been on top of his game. The teams are right to invest in him!
Jonas Valanciunas’ contract with the Wizards could be a new chapter in a career that’s already remarkable. But it’s obvious the guy is worth every cent. His resume is filled with individual and team achievements. For Wizards fans, the fact that they see him direct the course would be comforting. They’ve realized that he’ll make a significant impact on the court this season.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
Debate
Is Jonas Valanciunas the most underrated big man in the NBA today?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
What’s your perspective on:
Is Jonas Valanciunas the most underrated big man in the NBA today?
Have an interesting take?