Jonas Valanciunas could become a potential transfer target for the Warriors

May 21, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) makes a basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors continue to lack size at center, with the front office spending much of the offseason trying to trade Lauri Markkane to the Utah Jazz. However, it appears the two sides have reached an impasse in negotiations.

According to NBA executive Sean Deveney, who spoke to Heavy on Sports on condition of anonymity, Jonas Valanciunas could become a potential trade candidate for the Warriors if their pursuit of Markkanen doesn’t go well. Valanciunas recently signed with the Washington Wizards but could be available around the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

“It’s a really smart deal for (Valanciunas) because he got paid at a time when there weren’t a lot of spots available — it’s musical chairs, and if you don’t get one of the top spots now, under the new rules, you’re done,” the executive said. “There’s not as much flexibility. But it gets you paid, and the team that’s paying you can say, ‘Hey, we’ll give you a contender when the time comes.’ … The Warriors, if the (Lauri) Markkanen thing doesn’t work out.”

Valanciunas, 32, is a reliable presence in the middle of the park. He averaged 12.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game last season while shooting 55.9 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from 3-point range. At 6-foot-11, he would immediately solve some of the Warriors’ size issues at the center position.

While Valanciunas wouldn’t be a long-term solution for Golden State and wouldn’t become the secondary scoring option Mike Dunleavy Jr. is looking for, he would provide a veteran presence and help anchor the defense. Whether that’s enough to entice the Warriors into a deal remains to be seen.

This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Jonas Valanciunas could become a potential Warriors transfer target