When the Memphis Grizzlies traded Marc Gasol to the Toronto Raptors for Jonas Valanciunas, C.J. Miles, Delon Wright and a future second-round pick, they appeared to be headed for a total rebuild. That notion was confirmed a little over a week ago, when Memphis dealt franchise point guard Mike Conley to the Utah Jazz.
Valanciunas declined his player option for the 2019-20 season, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Memphis is expected to reach a three-year, $45 million agreement with the big man once free agency opens:
Once free agency opens at 6 PM ET, center Jonas Valanciunas is expected to commit to a three-year, $45M contract to return to the Memphis Grizzlies, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019
Jonas Valanciunas had become an increasingly reliable interior threat in his years with the Raptors, but he really excelled upon moving to Memphis. The 27-year-old averaged close to 20 points and 11 rebounds in 19 games with the Grizzlies, who appear intent on making him a key part of their rebuild.
Memphis is already acquiring some good young talent. The Grizzlies drafted Murray State point guard Ja Morant with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, and 2018 No. 4 pick Jaren Jackson Jr. looks like a future star. But re-signing Valanciunas ensures that the team will have a reliable scorer and rebounder in the frontcourt, something the team still desperately needs.
One vital question for this upcoming season will be whether or not Valanciunas can play at a quicker tempo. New head coach Taylor Jenkins has made it clear that he wants the team to play downhill, a style that should suit Morant as an offensive playmaker and distributor.
But Jonas Valanciunas is also more of a traditional low-post big. If he is able to get out in transition and perhaps expand his shooting range, he will make the Grizzlies that much more of a complete team.
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